After Thomas Willeboirts Bosschaert

oil on canvas,

The canvas has an old stable relining. The canvas weave appears to be machine-made and the craquelure is not as advanced as one would expect from a 17th century picture, and so could be 18th century. There is very little cusping around the edges, all indicating this could be a later original canvas. The paint surface is covered by a milky uneven varnish which makes it hard to see any potential restoration under ultraviolet light. However, using the naked eye, there appears to be some very minor wear in the browns of the background, and there appears to be some light spot retouching to small details in the putti and the saint, but no large areas that are disturbing to the overall effect. In good overall condition. 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."

A copy after Bosschaert, the original now in the Petit Palais, Potsdam.¹

1. See A. Heinrich, Thomas Willeboirts Bosschaert, Turnhout 2003, vol. II, reproduced p. 496, fig. 18.