Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 31 October 2002, lot 168.

The canvas has been relined. There is a chip of paint loss to the face, one to the neck and some further spots to the left of the neck. Craquelure scattered throughout. Ultraviolet light reveals some retouching to the aforementioned paint losses, an area to the right of the sitters face, and scattered spots elsewhere. Held in a decorative gold composite frame.
"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 Muses were the nine daughters of Jupiter and Mnemosyne, or Memory, who presided over artistic inspiration and intellectual activity. They were also the goddesses of song and were associated with Apollo, the god of music. The lyre was an attribute of both Terpsichore, goddess of dance and song and Erato, goddess of lyric and love poetry.