Flemish School, 17th century

The canvas has been relined and as a result the paint surface is pressed. The paint surface is very dirty. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows a network of infilling of craquelure throughout the picture and some repainting along the margins. There are also a handful of tiny areas of spot retouchings, but otherwise a thick milky varnish makes any other restoration impossible to identify. With the naked eye, one can see lightly-discoloured restoration in areas such as the wood of the three crosses, in some of the figures' faces and in other parts of the picture, none of which show up under UV light. The lot is offered in a heavy carved wooden frame, with gilding and black paint. There are many small scratches to the black paint and some minor knocks to the wood, but the frame is structurally sound. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."