Manner of Jan van der Heyden

The flat, stable support appears to consist of one horizontal panel, cradled to the reverse. The paint surface is a little flat but in good condition, under an uneven varnish. The detail of the foreground is well-preserved. The pigments used in the sky have become slightly thin, especially just above the trees to the right. There are some stretches of frame abrasion to the right and left hand margins. Some old retouchings to these margins are visible to the naked eye. There is a small vertical surface scuff, approximately 2cm. long lower right, but no major damages to the painting are discernible. Inspection under UV light is impeded in parts by the varnish, but does confirm the aforementioned retouchigns and further reveals extensive scattered spot retouchings in the sky (mostly along the grain of the panel) and extensive retouchings and strengthenings to the left hand building and the trees. The majority of the foreground buildings and figures seem to remain untouched. Offered unframed.
"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."