Simon Hardimé

The catalogue illustration is a little too red in tone. The canvas has an old and heavy relining, which has slightly pressed the paint surface. The paint surface is quite worn in much of the background and has quite pronounced cracquelure in some darker areas, and the yellow pigments have now perished. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals extensive old restoration to the the background, but the blooms themeselves appear well preserved, with little or no intervention except to touch out some of the larger cracks and some details. The old restoration has visibly discoloured in many parts. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame with scalloped decoration , some minor damages.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie for confirming the attribution on the basis of photographs.