Continental School

Robert Smith QC (acquired by the 1970s)
Purchased from the above by the present owner

The canvas has been relined. There are minor faint lines of craquelure visible under close inspection. Ultraviolet light reveals scattered strokes of retouching (spots of which have discoloured and are visible in the catalogue illustration) and thin lines of restoration, notably areas between the sails of the galleon and Leander's Tower and a vertical 24cm thin restoration in the sea and the right part of the tower, small areas above the horizon in the right half of the composition and in the land between the flag and the right framing edge, a couple of vertical restorations in the rowing boat in the lower centre, and strokes in the upper part of the sky. Not all restorations fluroesce clearly under U.V. light: there appears to be a thin vertical circa 40cm line of restoration in the sky to the upper-right of the galleon which does not fluoresce, and there may be areas of retouching for example in the clouds just above the land to the right. The painting is sold unframed.
"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."