Circle of Jacob Huysmans

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 30 July 1981, lot 184 (as 'J. Closterman'); 
Anonymous sale, London, Christie’s, 29 January 1983, lot 7 (as 'J. Closterman').

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. There has been a pitting to the paint layer which has led to minor loss across the whole surface, particularly to the sky, upper right, and the background behind the sitter, . Injudicious cleaning in the past has led to a slight thinness of the paint in the darker passages, e.g. the shadows of the curtain, the plinth and the sitter's hair. Areas of the paint layer which remain in good condition include the curtain, upper left, the sitter's orange coat and the shirt. A discoloured varnish covers the surface and its removal would improve the tonality.
"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."