Venus and Ceres

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 varnish is cloudy and has gone matte and the paint stable on the support. A fine horizontal craquelure is visible in natural light. The panel is uncradled and composed of a single plank with two horizontal batons. Ultraviolet light reveals that the painting has been selectively cleaned in its past, with the varnish fluorescing unevenly. Visual inspection with ultraviolet light is impeded by the aged varnish. In natural light, a scuff to the varnish is visible in the canopy at upper right as are stray lines of pink paint in the center of the panel and an approximately ¼ inch loss along the lower left edge. There may also be some restoration to the nude figure’s proper left foot. In general, the painting appears to be in a fine state of preservation and should respond well to a conservation treatment.