Dutch School, 18th Century

The canvas has a stable relining. The paint surface is under a slightly dirty varnish and there's a somewhat coarse craquelure throughout; some of the cracks in the sky have been filled in. There's a small retouched damage in the roof of the building centre left. Otherwise, no damages are apparent and the paint surface is secure. There's an area of retouching in the sky. Inspection under UV light remains inconclusive due to the varnish, but there's possibly some minor strengthening of the outlines in the buildings on the right and in some of the figures. Offered in decorative gilt plaster and wood frame with a few tiny chips.
"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 composition with the projected but never finished tower of the New Church is based on a print, known in several versions with slight alterations in the staffage, by Jacob van der Ulft (1621-1689).