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 REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED BY AN OUTSIDE RESTORER

This integrity of the artist’s painterly technique remains well preserved despite a degree of surface abrasion to the darkest passages. A sensitive conservation treatment is recommended to improve the structural stability and visual appearance.

Support:
The canvas has an historic open weave re-lining, or possibly a contemporaneous double canvas. It retains a good tension, overall, with a minor dent from the front [in the lower right quadrant] and a small, restored loss, supported with an old patch in the central lower edge. The stretcher was recently treated for woodworm activity, which is now dormant.

Paint layer:
The paint has been applied in varying densities of brushstrokes over a red ground layer. The drawing and texture of the brushwork remain in a very good state of preservation. Natural ageing is evident in the increased transparency of some of the thinnest glazes and in the fading of a blue paint in the sky.

Varnish:
Ultra-violet fluorescence examination reveals a dense layer of aged varnish with scattered minor restoration and flecks of retouching applied to reduce the appearance of the abrasion.

Frame:
The carved and gilded frame remains in a reasonable condition.