English School, circa 1700

Captain B.C. Vernon-Wentworth, Wentworth Castle, Barnsley, Yorkshire;
Sold by him, London, Christie's, 13th November 1919, lots 174 & 175 (as 'Van de Velde', both bt. by Leggatt);
Junius S. Morgan, Locust Valley, New York ;
With Ackermann & Johnson, London

STRUCTURE Both canvases have been lined. PAINT SURFACE The first (illustrated on the left) appears to be in good condition. There is a minor hole in the lower sail of the second ship in from the left, and a further loss of paint about 4 in. to it's right measuring approx. 1 in. There is also a minor paint loss in the rigging of the prominent side facing foreground ship measuring approx 1 in. The second (illustrated on the right) appears to be in likewise good condition. There is a very minor paint loss in the lower right and a very minor paint loss centre right along a prominent vertical stretcher bar mark that runs the height of the canvas. There is likewise some minor abrasion to the right canvas edge caused by rubbing with a frame. There is an old, discoloured varnish overall in both paintings. ULTRAVIOLET Examination of the first under ultraviolet light reveals evidence of a previous campaign of retouching, as there are a few noticeable areas of retouching in the sea, and to what could be an old tear in the rudder of the prominent side facing foreground ship, however a thick discoloured varnish prevails making further examination difficult. Examination of the second under ultraviolet light again confirms the presence of a thick discoloured varnish overall which makes further examination difficult, although again the sea would suggest that there had been a previous campaign of retouching which can be expected of a painting of this age. FRAME Both held in matching carved wood frames. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@sothebys.com.
"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."