Milk Below Maids, from the Cries of London Series

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 painting has been supported on the reverse by a glue lining and is quite tightly secured on its stretcher. There is a wide craquelure across the surface, which have been minimized in some areas by thin strokes of inpainting visible in raking light. The varnish is clear and nicely saturates the colors. A fluid under drawing is visible beneath the whites and flesh tones of the figure group. In natural light repairs to the sky and lamp post are visible. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals further repairs to the wide craquelure throughout, retouches to the milkmaid's green dress, to the sky, to the base of the lamp post, and to the architecture in the background. A few scattered lines of strengthening reinforce the contours of the fence, architecture, and milkmaid's shoulder yoke. The painting presents well and is offered in a simple giltwood frame.