The Philosophers

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 paper laid down on canvas is held under tension and remains stable. In raking light, isolated areas of restoration are visible particularly in the clouds in the upper left, as well as in the drapery of the central and right figures. There is some natural ageing in the lighter passages, with some isolated restoration in the lower right corner. Ultraviolet examination confirms the above, with small isolated dots of restoration in the darker passages of the central figure, as well as in the surrounding contours of the wood stack, and in the highlights of the whites in the lower centre. The subtlety of the artist’s drawing detail remains highly appreciable.