Circle of Cornelis Jonson van Ceulen

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: The original canvas is lined and the paint layer is stable. The tacking edges of the re-lining canvas have degraded. There are slight impressions of raised stretcher marks and a curious raised horizontal line 8" below the top edge. Under u-v lighting it appears the painting has undergone an 'artistic' clean; the flesh tones have had most of the discoloured varnish removed but it remains intact in the darks of her fabric, the background and feigned oval, where the discoloured and degraded varnish was left , probably due to a thinness of the paint here. There is minor restoration to the flesh tones to replace paint loss and to reduce the dark craquelure; the more delicate scumbling and glazing has been slightly compromised, here. The highlights of the sitter's jewellery and to the whites of the slashed sleeves remain in good condition. The tonality of the image would be improved by the removal of the varnish.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."