Flemish School, 17th Century

The canvas has an old relining that has not flattened the paint surface. The paint surface is stable, and very dirty. The varnish appears uneven and discoloured. The large canvas is in overall very good condition. A vertical canvas seam runs down the centre of the canvas, along which there are some old retouchings. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye. On inspection under ultra-violet light two small old restored damages are visible, one is at the base of the red cushion at the bottom left, the other at the bottom right margin to the right of the executioners cloak. Only a few other old localised patches of restoration and smaller old restored damages are also visible, some small pinprick losses, and the UV does confirm the very patchy and uneven 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. 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."

An attribution for this fascinating work remains elusive. However, it has been considered by several scholars as possibly by a Flemish artist active in Genoa in the following of Sir Anthony van Dyck.