German School, 18th Century

The painting is darker in tone and has less contrast than the catalogue illustration suggests. The painting has a relining. Stretcher marks and folds are visible to the front. The paint layer is stable and no damages are visible, except for some frame abrasion. Except for the face and upper half of the costume, the paint layer is flat and thin and covered under a layer of surface dirt and discoloured varnish. The varnish is in unstable condition, there is a coarse and irregular craquelure pattern. The painting needs to be cleaned and restored. Inspection under UV-light is largely impeded by the varnish layer but it seems that the background has extensive retouchings throughout; a few scattered spots in the face and one large retouching in the lower right of the sitter's face, in the blue shawl, his left sleeve and the area below and in the scattered spots in the landscape painting and the hand holding it. Offered in an ornate gilt wood frame, in good condition. (JD)
"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."

The landscape painting the artist is showing, suggests that the sitter is likely to be a landscape painter, probably active in Germany in the first half of the 18th Century.