José de Cieza

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The canvas is unlined and the paint is stable but slightly raised in places. There are restored losses along the bottom edge and other small losses detected across the surface , particularly the top right and left and the mid left; darker passages have been slightly abraded. The thin paint to the sky , upper right , has been extensively augmented to reduce the dominance of the ground layer. There are areas where the paint layer is well preserved and in an original untouched condition. The surface is well saturated and the colours are strong. Offered in an ornate faux marble and gilt frame in good condition."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

José de Cieza specialized in architectural capriccio views. His talent was recognized when he was summoned to Madrid to serve at court where he worked on stage decorations. By 1689, just three years before he died, he had been promoted to the position of Painter to the King.