Noah's Ark

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.

Painted on canvas, it has been laid down on a modern board. It appears to be stable on its support. The red ground can be seen in areas where the paint has been applied sparingly, such as to the elephants. In other areas where the paint was more thickly applied it is still possible to appreciate areas of thick impasto such as on the goat in the foreground, and this is more noticeable under raking light. With oxidisation to the darker tones in the lower third of the painting and this has created a more pronounced craquelure. With a long vertical damage near the far right border with associated old discoloured retouchings and other old repaired damages with associated retouchings to the lower left and lower right corners. Inspection under ultra violet fluorescence suggests that there has been more than one period of restoration; it reveals old infill to the craquelure and some strengthening to the outlines all over. The vigorous, fluid brushstrokes of the artist are still highly appreciable, particularly to the quickly painted figures leading to Noah’s ark. The painting has recently been revarnished and reads well.