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 portraits presents very well in natural light, with the bravura execution of the costume and the vivacity of colour well preserved. The canvas has been subject to relining; it is held under tension and remains stable. There has been some slight thinning to the paint as a result of this process. In a raking light some scattered retouching in the background to the right of the sitter can be seen. There appears to have been some minor retouching to the sitter's face. Examination under UV light confimrs these observations. There is some more extensive retouching in the background to the right of the sitter. There has been some retouching to the sitter's collar and the bow in his hair. There is some further scattered retouching to his coat. There is a small repaired vertical tear of 5 cm. to the upper centre. There is a slightly patchy varnish that hinders a more in depth examination of the composition. The paint remains stable.
Print Report