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 panel measures approximately 3/16 inch thick and has been cradled on the reverse. The paint is stable on the support and there is a moderate drying craquelure evident throughout much of the composition. The varnish is cloudy and yellowed. Scuffing due to frame abrasion is visible along all four edges. Three horizontal cracks are visible in the panel, including two that measure approximately 2 inches in length at upper left and center right, respectively, and a third hairline crack that extends horizontally through the lower third of the panel. Two small dots of paint loss are visible along the hairline crack just to the right of the woman standing in the archway where Mass is being said. Under ultraviolet light, lines of strengthening to mend the drying cracks at right and fine strokes of strengthening to the architecture at left fluoresce, as do strokes along the repaired cracks and a passage in the black garments of the two figures with their backs turned at lower right. The painting would likely benefit from a cleaning and more sensitively applied touches of strengthening to the cracks, figures and architecture.
Print Report