A mandolin with a book of music on a blue and gold cushion, with fruit on a partially draped ledge

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 relined canvas is held under tension and remains stable. In raking light, the surface appears to be covered in a somewhat deteriorating varnish, which would benefit from cleaning. Ultraviolet examination reveals a thick layer of obscuring varnish, through which can be seen thinning spots of damage above the book of notation. The varnish prevents further examination of the paint layer. The artist’s painterly technique remains highly appreciable, with some remains of impasto visible particularly in the fruit in the upper right and in the embroidery of the pillow and drapery.