Continental School, 19th Century

Private collection, Seattle
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Oil on canvas. Relined. The work has been recently cleaned. The edges of the original canvas are visible in the current framing, as are some minor losses at the extreme edges. There is a stable web of craquelure over the picture surface. Under UV light, there is a green fluorescing varnish that obscures large parts of the picture surface.Small dots and dashes of retouching to the proper left side of his fur hat and a 3 inch vertical line extending from almost the top center edge into the fur hat. There is a 2 inch line of retouching extending diagonally from the sitters proper left eyebrow into his cheekbone as well as a few scattered lines of older retouching to address the previously mentioned craquelure in his face. Small scattered dots and dashes of retouching along the left edge of his cravat as well as some minor areas of retouching to the sitters white collar. Additional scattered small areas of retouching are visible in the background. There are minor scattered dots and dashes of retouching in and around the sitters hand. There is an area of florescence at the lower left corner.
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.