Portrait of the engraver Karel van Mallery (1571-after 1635), bust-length

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 an old glue lining which appears to have lost much of its tension, resulting in deformations to the canvas. The varnish is cloudy and yellowed and the paint stable on the support. A find craquelure is visible throughout. Despite some abrasion, particularly to the flesh tones, a number of details, particularly around the eyelids and the deftly applied white highlights, suggest a work of high quality. Full inspection under ultraviolet light is impeded by the discolored varnish, though poorly applied passages of retouching are apparent in the man’s hand – notably between his little and ring fingers and on his thumb – and in his face. Further scattered areas of retouching are visible in the background, principally at center right. The painting would likely benefit if the old, discordant retouching which distracts from the painting’s quality were removed and more sensitively applied.