The Cardsharps

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 unlined with its original tacking edges still visible and, though it has worn through at the corners, it appears stable on its stretcher. The paint surface is a little dirty beneath an old varnish with some minor loses and abrasion at the extreme edges due to the frame. There is a slight convex mark in the upper right corner of the background where an old red wax seal was adhered to the reverse. There are some very minor pin prick losses here and there and very minor scuffs to the varnish, notably in the sleeves of the figure at left, and some minor accretions above the varnish in the face and hands of the same.
Inspection under UV is impeded by the somewhat opaque old varnish which fluoresces green but there appears to have been more than one campaign of restoration in the past. There is retouching to the jaw of the figure at left and to the cheek of the at center and to that of the figure at right. There is strengthening to the background, most distinctly visible beside the head of the figure at right. The fabric patterns of the figures' doublets and the hose of the figure at right have also been strengthened.
The painting could benefit from a light clean and revarnish. Offered in a simply carved giltwood frame.