Lot 186
  • 186

NORTH ITALIAN SCHOOL, EARLY 18TH CENTURY | A man plucking a goose; A woman plucking a chicken

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • North Italian School, early 18th century
  • A man plucking a goose; A woman plucking a chicken
  • a pair, both oil on canvas
  • each: 109.3 x 83 cm.; 43 x 32 5/8  in.

Condition

Both canvases have old relinings, their paint surfaces are dirty and the varnishes are discoloured. Both canvases have visible horizontal seams running the width of the canvases a quarter of the way from the lower margin. The former (man plucking a goose): there is a vertical tear 3 cm. long caused by a knock from the reverse in the goose's neck just above the seam, and there are two small losses in and above the man's hat, as well as paint loss to a knock on the left-hand side around the seam, and another small hole and associated paint loss below the seam in the centre. There is a line of white accretions on the man's face, visible in the catalogue illustration. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a handful of retouchings, notably in the ribbon holding the birds upper right, but otherwise no intervention. The latter (woman plucking a chicken): there is a horizontal scratch and associated paint losses in the background just to the left of her head, and pin prick losses in her face and ear, in her sleeve along the right-hand margin, and in the feathers of the chicken. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals areas of retouching in her mouth and neck, the larger of which measures 1 x 5 cm., scattered in her white apron, and to a horizontal band in the background centre left. The thick, opaque varnish makes it difficult to discern further restorations however. The paintings are in overall fair condition and could be greatly improved with restoration.
"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."