Venetian School, 18th Century

The canvas has an old glue relining and is currently affixed to the stretcher with staples. There is an old tear in the original canvas with losses along it, which curves approximately 10 in. through the architecture at left, as visible in the catalogue image. There appears to be another, vertical old tear to the canvas of approximately 4 in. running through the leg of the figure with a cross bow, left of center. The paint surface is covered with a thick, dirty varnish and there are minor white deposits on the ground lower left and in the sky along the upper edge. Inspection under UV is impeded by the dirty varnish though there is what is possibly an old area of repaint in the arm of the cross bow figure. The aforementioned damages could be filled and retouched and the paint surface would benefit from a clean and revarnish. Offered 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.
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.