Head study of a young man

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.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED BY AN OUTSIDE RESTORER

This painting remains in a very good state of preservation beneath surface dirt and aged varnish layers.

Support:
The panel has a comfortable convex warp to the front and a central vertical join that is partially visible on the surface of the painting. There is a small, historic loss to the apex of the upper left corner [recto]. It appears structurally stable.

Paint layer:
Natural ageing of the paint layer is evident in the increased transparency of the thinly applied glazes revealing the lighter tones of the ground layer beneath. The integrity of the brushwork remains intact with the drawing, modelling and high impasto highlights well preserved. A little stable, raised craquelure is evident in the lower right side and a there is a recent loss to the lower left edge. Darkened retouching is visible at intervals along the panel join. Cleaning would prove rewarding.

Varnish:
Ultra-violet fluorescence examination reveals a cloudy aged varnish with minor retouching to the head and scattered strokes elsewhere beneath the aged varnish.

Frame:
The present wooden frame though structurally sound, does not provide sufficient support for the panel.