Roman School, early 18th century

Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Lady'), London, Christie's, 9 April 1990, lot 82a (as Roman School, circa 1670), where acquired by the present owner.

The catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has been lined however the paint surface has not been compromised and there is a nice impasto still in the paint. There are no apparent areas of damage or loss of paint except for retouching to what appear to be two old areas of repaired damage that echo the line of the stretcher bars. The first horizontal mark is situated in the upper left and runs parallel to the upper canvas edge fro approx. 10 cm. The second, again situated in the upper left, runs parallel to the left most stretcher bar for approximately 35 cm. Both can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There are also a few very very minor flecks of scattered paint loss visible only in a raking light e.g. one is located in the darkened doorway of the right most building. There is also evidence of a discoloured varnish overall and localised areas of surface dirt. Examination under ultraviolet reveals retouching to the aforementioned areas of damage, as well as revealing several campaigns of scattered cosmetic retouching, most notably in the areas of shadow in the foreground, the coach lower left and to the right most canvas edge. This is complimented to a much lesser extent by minor areas of retouching to the architecture. There is a more recent area of retouching to what appears to be a small vertical line of damage measuring approx 5 cm. in the lower left above the back wheel of the coach which is visible to the naked eye. Generally speaking the canvas appears to be in good overall condition. Offered in a decorative gilt wood and plaster frame with minor losses.
"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."