Philip Mercier

STRUCTURE Both canvases have a firm lining. PAINT SURFACE Both paintings appear to be in fairly good condition, though they are a little flat. The portrait of a gentleman has a number of visible old retouches, predominantly lower right and lower left, in the leg of the table, and above his hand, as well as to an old tear in the upper right, approximately 2 1/2 inches long. Other than that both pictures have an old, dirty and discoloured varnish overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the retouching mentioned above. The portrait of a lady has old retouching below the sitter's right hand, and in the background, upper left. In the portrait of a gentleman there is retouching to the right and left of the sitters neck, strengthening the silhouette of his shoulders, and there is further scattered retouching overall, predominantly in the lower half of the picture. The retouching to the leg of the table and the surrounding area is quite extensive. The majority of this retouching appears to be superficial and excessive and the pictures should clean well. FRAME Held in matching gilded wooden frames in good condition.
"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."