Saint John the Baptist

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 wax lining and the corners have been made up to transform the canvas from an oval to a rectangle. The varnish is cloudy and yellowed with some surface accretions at lower right and the paint stable on the support. A scratch or mended tear measuring approximately 11 inches in length runs diagonally to the left of the saint’s face. A fine craquelure is visible in natural light. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a campaign of restoration to the background and along the original oval edge with finer strokes of retouching scattered in the flesh tones, including to address two fine scratches in the saint’s upper arm. A repaired hole immediately to the left of the saint’s hand is also evident. The painting can be displayed in its current state but its appearance would likely be enhanced following a conservation treatment.