A vanitas still life with a skull, musical instruments, books, playing cards, an ink pot, an overturned tazza and an oil lamp on a draped table behind a partially pulled curtain

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 uncradled panel is composed of two horizontal boards measuring approximately 3/8 thick with two butterfly joins on the reverse and beveling along the right edge. A shallow notch has been carved along the reverse of the panel join, presumably to accommodate a baton which has since been removed. The varnish is clear, if slightly uneven, and the paint stable on the support. A thin line of lightly discolored retouching is visible along the panel join in natural light. Ultraviolet light confirms this retouching and a few scattered lines of retouching in the upper right background to close the wood grain. The painting appears to be in a very fine state of preservation with the details of the still life reading clearly. The painting can be hung in its current state, though revarnishing may create a more even surface appearance.