Johann Nepomuk Mayrhofer

Both paintings appear to be lighter in tone and fresher in appearance than their catalogue illustrations. Both panels are flat but bevelled on all sides and cradled for the purposes of stabilising old cracking down the grain of the wood. This is most pronounced in the second and accordingly minor losses can be seen in the paint surface as is visible in the catalogue illustration. Elsewhere there are no apparent areas of damage or loss of paint except for some very minor abrasion to the panel edges in the second. There is some retouching visible in the leaves upper right of the first which is confirmed by UV inspection. UV inspection also reveals retouching to the foreground fruit, the crested tit's body and to what appears to be a circular mark in the upper right hand corner. UV inspection of the second work reveals very minor retouching to the aforementioned cracks as well scattered very minor cosmetic retouches in the upper left and to old abrasions in the centre right as well as to the remnants of a circular mark upper right. Offered in matching black frames with gold passe-partout slips with some minor knocks.
"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."