Portrait of a prelate in choir dress, full length, his hand resting a book

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 has been subject to relining; it is held under tension and remains stable. Examination in natural light shows some retouching to the flesh tones of the sitter. There is a fine pattern of cracking across the surface. There is an historic varnish which carries some minor dirt. There has been some scattered retouching to the blacks. Examination under UV light confirms the aforementioned retouching. There is further scattered retouching overall. There is a restored tear that extends vertically through the red curtains down to the elbow of the sitter with an associated diagonal tear that extends from the centre of the red curtain to the right-hand edge, and a horizontal tear of approximately 15 cm that extends from the sitter’s shoulder into the curtain. The monumentality of the composition and the modelling of the sitter remain fully appreciable and the paint surface is stable.