Sir Henry Raeburn R.A.

The catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has a tight relining and as a result the paint has been flattened in places and the canvas weave is visible upon close inspection. Otherwise the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent areas of damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye. In a raking light there appears to be retouching to old and very minor areas of restored blistered paint and their associated losses in the foliage upper right and upper centre and there is one further minor area of retouching in the foliage centre right parallel to the eldest boys elbow. Elsewhere there is evidence of minor areas of localised surface dirt and a yellow varnish overall. Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of the aforementioned retouching as well as revealing an older campaign of strengthening to the darker pigments throughout the background. There is also old retouching to the eldest boy's costume, most noticeably in his left lapel as well as minor strengthening to his right shoulder and sleeve. His head is for the most part untouched although there is some minor cosmetic work to his forehead, to an even lesser extent his nose and to the contour of his head. Likewise the younger child has had minor work to the contour of the forehead and the hair. There has been a more recent campaign of scattered minor retouching concentrated around the eldest boys left foot and there are some minor flecks around the flowers. Offered in a gilt wood 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."