French school, 18th century

With Ames Gallery, Beverley Hills;
There purchased by the present owner circa 1970.

Oil on canvas, lined. The work is somewhat slack on the stretcher. Some areas of the varnish are dull, especially across the lower half of the canvas. There is some obvious inpaint, with a smooth texture and slightly different color, visible to the naked eye in the sky. The craquelure is cupping across the majority of the lower half of the canvas. There are some associated small areas of loss scattered in the lower left quadrant, especially in the brown wrap of the dying man on he ground. There are also areas of lifting and associated minor losses in the lower right quadrant, in the column at far right and in the man at rights red cloak and in the area around the grey-haired man's face. Under UV light, there is a green fluorescing varnish though there are scattered areas of inpainting visible over the varnish.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.