Circle of Gillis Mostaert

The picture is made up of three horizontal panels, with wooden blocks attached along the joins on the reverse, for support. The paint surface is very dirty and covered by a yellowed varnish. The joins show through the paint surface under raking light. These joins have been repainted, the repaint has slightly discoloured, but this is not especially noticeable to the naked eye. Overall the paint surface is very even and in good state of preservation, with no large areas of obvious repair. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows repainting along all aforementioned joins as well as to another split (not visible from the reverse), across the whole panel, 8 cm. from the upper margin. There are small scattered retouchings throughout the lower quarter of the picture, particularly amongst the flock of sheep and in the brown pigments. There is retouching to the mountain and sky upper left corner. This lot is sold as illustrated, the frame in good 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."