After Sir Anthony van Dyck

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good overall condition, there is a fine uneven craquelure overall and some minor flattening to the peripheral areas caused by the relining. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a discoloured varnish overall and evidence of several previous campaigns of retouching, predominantly strengthening to the background and modelling of the figures, There is also evidence of previous infilling to the craquelure in the body of the central putti. There is further retouching to an old repaired horizontal tear in the upper left measuring approximately 5 in., and to a possible small horizontal tear lower right measuring approximateyl 3 in. FRAME Held in a gilt plaster 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."

A copy after the left-hand figure group in Van Dyck's Holy Family in the Hermitage, St. Petersburg (see S.J. Barnes et al., Van Dyck. A Complete Catalogue of the Paintings, London 2004, pp. 251-2, no. III.8).