We want to thank Michael Robinson from J.H. Cooke and Sons for having kindly examined the painting and made a condition report : The painting was examined in strong artificial light, in a raking light, under magnification and under ultra violet light. The painting has been lined with paste onto a linen canvas. There are four repairs to the lined canvas toward the bottom of the picture, two within the shield, one within the robes of the guard, and one in the step on the left. These repairs have been well made. They have been supported by the addition of patches. They are in plane and have relatively little paint loss for their size (approx.4 cm each). The paint surface is covered in a slightly grey varnish. There is a small area of disruption to the paint surface in the column on the right, level with the head of the guard. Examination under UV shows the presence of remnants of old varnish, unevenly distributed and overpaint to the 4 repairs to the lined canvas; to the area around the face of the guard; to the extreme bottom right hand corner and to the slightly distorted paint on the right hand column. There are a few other minor touches thinly dispersed.
"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."