Attributed to Philipp Ferdinand de Hamilton

Both pictures are darker in tone and more muted in colour than the catalogue illustration suggests and both canvases have been lined and as a result the paint has sunk slightly into the canvas. The first (as illustrated at the bottom of the page in the catalogue) appears to be in good overall condition with no damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye apart from a tiny fleck of old paint loss and associated retouching to the canvas edge lower centre. There is also a minor fleck of paint loss in the foremost pheasant's tail feather and there are three very minor surface scratches in the lower left visible only upon close inspection. Elsewhere there is evidence of an old craquelure with associated infilling. Also in a raking light there are very minor scattered retouches predominantly in the darker pigment of the landscape lower left. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the aforementioned retouching and reveals some further very minor scattered retouches primarily to the canvas edges. There is also a very small are of old restored damage measuring 1 in. in the lower left and a discoloured varnish overall. The second (as illustrated at the top of the page in the catalogue) appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye. There is an old surface scratch in the upper left running from the canvas edge through the thistle, however this is only visible under a raking light. Otherwise there is scattered retouching to the darker pigments of the trunk and landscape. Examination under ultraviolet reveals some further scattered minor retouches to the feathers of the birds and a discoloured varnish. Both pictures are in good overall condition given their age. Offered in matching gilt wood and plaster frames in good condition but for some 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."

The composition of the first of this pair is near identical (apart from the snipe being replaced by another pheasant) to a picture sold as by Philip Ferdinand de Hamilton, London, Christie’s, 27 October 1989, lot 100.