Nicola Viso

In the collection of HRH Prince George, Duke of Kent (1902-1942) and HRH Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent (1906-1968);
Thence by descent until sold, ("Property from the Collection of HRH The Prince George, Duke of Kent KG, KT, and HRH Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent CI, GCVO and their families"), London, Christie's, 20 November 2009, lot 122 where acquired by the present owner.

Both paintings are richer and more yellow in colour as is appropriate for the dusk setting than the catalogue illustration would suggest. Both paintings have been relined however there remains a nice texture to the paint in both. The paint surface of the first (illustrated on the left in the catalogue) appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye apart from a small indentation centre left above the foliage and a hooked superficial surface scratch lower left as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. The paint surface of the second (illustrated on the right in the catalogue illustration) appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye. Both canvases appear to have discoloured varnishes and very minor scattered areas of surface dirt overall. Examination of the first under ultraviolet reveals retouching around the canvas edges to what appears to be old restored frame abrasion. There are also minor scattered flecks of cosmetic retouching throughout the sky which is concentrated around the central column crowned with the urn. Examination of the second reveals similar retouching to the canvas edges and scattered retouching throughout the sky which is concentrated in the architecture upper right. There are also some minor areas of scattered retouching in the darker pigments of the foreground which includes strengthening to the base of the tree trunk and to the areas of shadow around the staircase on the right; however the architecture in both canvases appears to be, by in large, in good untouched condition. Both are offered in matching gilt wood and plaster frames 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."