Portrait of François Michel le Tellier, marquis de Louvois (1641-1691), half-length, with the Order of Saint Maurice and Saint Lazare, holding an architectural plan

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.

This relined canvas is held under tension and remains stable. The paint surface has experienced natural ageing, however the artist’s technique remains appreciable, particularly in the hand holding the architectural plan. In raking light, spots of restoration are visible particularly in the background cloak and the sitter’s hair. Ultraviolet examination reveals an old thick layer of obscuring varnish, with restored damages in the centre left and centre right of the painting, across what appears to be old damages resulting from the canvas resting on its previous stretcher. Proper examination of the painting is hindered by the obscuring layer of old varnish.