Claude-Joseph Vernet Avignon 1714 - 1789 Paris

The painting is yellower, more colourful and less muddy in tone than the illustration suggests. The canvas has been recently quite stiffly relined. The painting has been cleaned, restored and revarnished. Most of the paint surface is in excellent condition, particularly the foreground area with all the boats and figures. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals that there is a small repaired tear (4cm.) in the upper left corner and two quite significant repaired damages in the sky: one, in a T-shape, occurs upper right (10 by 8 cm. approx.) and another, in an h-shape, lies below it (approx. 15 cm. high). Smaller retouchings associated with these damages occur around them, but otherwise the painting is in good condition. The craquelure has been drawn in over the damages and the retouchings have been sensitively applied, which means they are invisible to the naked eye. The painting could be hung as is. The substantial carved gilt wood frame with egg-and-dart decoration is suitable in style. It has been retouched with gold paint at the corners but is in good condition overall.
"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."