Peter De Wint O.W.S.

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 22  March 2000, lot 16 (£9,000);
bt. by the current owner

The painting is less yellow in colour and more muted in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The work is oil on paper laid down on a chamfered panel that has slightly bowed but is otherwise in good stable condition. The paint surface appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for evidence of old minor frame abrasion around the edges. There are several old scattered creases in the paper visible in a raking light, which appear to have been flattened over time. Also visible in a raking light is a very minor area of old stabilised but raised paint in the left most edge of the trees centre right. There is also evidence of a discoloured varnish and surface dirt overall, the latter particularly noticeable in the skyline as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of the milky varnish and reveals some minor areas of scattered cosmetic retouching to the tree leaves, the sky centre left and to a lesser extent the seated gentleman in the foreground lower centre. Otherwise the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition. Offered in a gilt wood frame in good condition with an inscribed gold slip.
"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."