Portrait of gentleman, three-quarter-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 a glue lining. The paint is stable on the support. The varnish is somewhat cloudy and scuffed and the surface with age-related accretions. Blossoming in the varnish is visible in natural light in the lower right quadrant of the painting. Several pinhead sized losses are visible in natural light in the curtain at upper left. The paint surface appears to be well intact, with the delicate glazes present and the fine work in the lace reading clearly. Two awkwardly applied strokes of strengthening to reinforce the folds of the man’s flesh below his chin are visible in natural light. Under ultraviolet light the aged varnish fluoresces green, preventing further inspection of the work. In his catalogue raisonné, Bernd Ebert suggested the canvas may have been trimmed slightly along the right and lower edges, the possibility of which cannot be ruled out. The painting presents well and should respond well to a conservation treatment.