Mathieu Ignace van Brée

The canvasses have been relined and are stable. The paint surface is generally overall very good condition and not too dirty. The varnishes are a little old and thus the craquelure is apparent, particularly in the darker areas of the foliage in the background. For the former of the pair, there are three repairs that have dis-coloured slightly upper right in the sky, the largest approx. 4 cm. There are also some small retouchings in the figure's pink skirt. There is some thinning in the browns and greens of the background, but very minor. Ultraviolet light shows the aforementioned repaired tears, and in addition, a repairs to the canvas in the centre (5 cm), two more along the lower margin and a larger repair in the lower left corner (square-shaped tear). These are not noticeable to the naked eye. In the second picture there is craquelure in the greens and browns of the background. UV light shows infilling of craaquelure in the lower part, and a repaired tear in the harp. Otherwise the paint surface is very good. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."