Venus at Vulcan's Forge: An Allegory of Air and Fire

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 retains a good tension on its canvas. There is some natural ageing and dirt to the surface which would benefit from a clean, although this does not distract from the wealth of narrative detail in the painting. Close examination of the paint surface reveals some tenting to the craquelure. There are isolated areas of minor paint loss to the lower corners, to Venus’ drapery and to a section of the sky. Stretcher marks are visible to the edges. Some discoloured retouchings are also visible; ultra-violet fluorescence examination confirms this, although a dense layer of varnish makes it difficult to examine historic retouchings. There is a patched restoration to the brick wall in the background.