Circle of Hubert Sattler

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Structural Condition The canvas has been lined and this is ensuring an even and secure structural support. Paint Surface The paint surface has a very discoloured varnish layer and once the film of yellow varnish has been removed I would be confident of a considerable colour change. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows a few small, scattered retouchings, the most significant of which are: 1) an area approximately 4 cms in length on the branch of the tree in the upper right of the composition that stretches towards the right vertical framing edge, 2) scattered spots and lines in the pale green of the trees further down the right vertical framing edge, 3) scattered spots and lines in the foreground. There may be other retouchings beneath the discoloured varnish layers that do not fluoresce under ultra-violet light. Summary The painting therefore appears to be in good and stable condition and should respond well to cleaning and revarnishing.
"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."

This panoramic view from the hills of Yildiz towards the Bosphorus is a fascinating and rare visual record of Constantinople in the 1830s. In the middle foreground, at the bottom of the hill, can be seen the roofs of the Besiktas Sahil Sarayi (Besiktas Waterfront Palace) where now the Dolmabahce Palace stands. The Besiktas Palace was a sprawling conglomeration of wooden kiosks and imperial mansions which, by the time of the reign of Sultan Mahmoud II in the 1830s, had taken on the appearance of a large palace. The complex was pulled down during the reign of Mahmoud's son, Sultan Abdulmecid, and rebuilt in stone as the Dolmabahce palace in 1842-53.