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 canvas is reinforced on the reverse with a wax lining. The varnish is cloudy and yellowed and the paint stable on the support. A fine craquelure is visible in natural light. Restoration to address an approximately 1 ½ inch horizontal tear at the upper right corner as well as an approximately 3 inch L-shaped vertical tear in the center of the canvas are visible in raking light. Ultraviolet light does not easily penetrate the discolored varnish layer, though a campaign of more recent restoration, principally to address some of the thinnest areas of paint in the background and to reinforce contours around the bunch of grapes overhanging the ledge at lower left, the figure in bas relief at lower left and the peaches at lower right, does fluoresce. A further thin line of retouching to address what appears to be an approximately 2 inch long old scratch fluoresces in the dark pigments at upper center. The painting retains some of its original impasto in the details of the leaves and branches. While the painting can be displayed in its current state, its appearance would likely be dramatically enhanced following a sensitive conservation treatment.
Print Report