The Birth of Venus

The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

The canvas is unlined. To the naked eye there is no damage to the surface of the painting. There is a fine surface craquelure most visible against the white of the shell. On the reverse there are two patches – lower left and upper left quadrant. The lower left repair relates to a 3 in. right angle tear just above the fish and below right foot of maiden. The upper left repair is a tiny repaired paint loss to the right side of Venus’s abdomen. Under UV the craquelure in the dark red drape has been jigsaw filled. Both repairs are well restored. There is a small touch of inpainting to the coral in the hair of the left side maiden.

In a 19th Century Louis XIV style frame in good ready to hang condition. Overall the painting presents very well.