Portrait of a gentleman, half-length, holding gloves and a letter

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 panel is flat and stable and has two batons attached to the reverse. It is providing solid support for the picture. 
There is a pattern of craquelure to the paint surface; the varnish is old, uneven and rather degraded and there are discoloured old retouchings to the flesh tones, the background and the costume. The blacks of the costume have thinned, possibly having been over cleaned in the past. The drawing of the hands and head though can still be appreciated. The examination under UV confirms the aforementioned old, scattered retouching throughout. Cleaning and careful restoration might prove rewarding.