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.
We are grateful to Kirsten Younger Conservation for providing the following condition report (written communication, 7 December 2022).
The painting is in very good condition overall. The canvas support is flat and stable and it is lined with a wax-resin lining. The lining is visible at the edges where the original tacking margins are trimmed, and a loose-lining canvas can be seen on the verso. The landscape has a beautiful appearance of recession in space and the architecture is depicted with a rich variety of textures and is well-preserved. The grey-blue paint of the clouds is brushed over a brown paint layer that is deliberately allowed to show through in some areas. In the sky below the top edge toward the left there is a horizontal L-shaped line of retouching, there are other small retouches near the top right corner and some tiny white specks on the surface of the varnish at the left. The trees, the snow-covered grassy banks and the frozen river are in good condition. There is a retouched area in the white ice along the bottom edge below the sledge and there are some small retouches scattered in the lower left corner. The figures and fine details of the draperies, painted in restrained colors, are in good condition. The signature and date on the façade above the arch are distinct and in good condition. The varnish is clear and it does not fluoresce.
Print Report