Portrait of an elderly woman at prayer, half-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 has been relined and it is providing an adequate support for the picture. The picture surface is dirty and there is a degraded old varnish. Good areas of impasto, with the original brushwork, can be appreciated on the clothes on her shoulder and the crucifix. There is discoloured old restoration visible in natural light on and below the shoulder, possibly to repair an old damage. The examination under UV light is impeded by the varnish but shows retouching around the sitter’s face and to the darker tones. The clarity and detail of the picture could be greatly improved on cleaning.