Saint Sebastian bound for martyrdom

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.

We are grateful to Hamish Dewar Fine Art Conservation for providing the following condition report (written communication 7 December 2022).

Overview
The painting would appear to be in stable condition having been extensively conserved and restored in the past. The extent of retouchings applied in the past should certainly be noted. No further work is required.

Structural condition
The canvas has been lined and is attached to a comparatively new keyed wooden stretcher. The canvas is taut and the lining has secured the overall pattern of drying craquelure which is quite marked. There have also been a number of significant structural repairs, most evidently in the upper left and right of the composition. The extent of structural repairs would explain the necessity of what is a rather hard lining. The overall structural condition is, however, now secure.

Paint surface
The paint surface has a reasonably even varnish layer. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows extensive areas of retouching across the paint surface, some of which fluoresce more clearly than others. There are a number of significant retouchings in the upper right of the backgroud and further extensive retouchings within the background and particularly within the kneeling figure's cloak in the lower right, which appears to have been repainted. There are other retouchings on the figures and on St. Sebastian's flesh tones. There may well be further retouchings that I could not identify under ultraviolet light.