Venetian School, 17th Century

with H.M. Luther, New York (acquired in Europe circa 1995);
From whom acquired by the present collector.

Oil on canvas, lined. Each work is covered by a fine, stable web of craquelure. Some of the dark pigments have lost their definition, and each work is covered by a dull, dirty varnish. Visitors to a Venetian Convent During Carnival: Under UV light, there are scattered dots and dashes of retouching throughout. The majority of these retouches are in the figures in the lower half of the composition, and many of these repaints appear to reinforce the pigments that have been lost. There is additional retouching at the extreme edges and in the background in the upper register of the work, including a horizontal line that extends across almost the entire picture plane approximately 2 inches from the top edge. Gambling at the Ridotto: Under UV light, there is retouching visible throughout, mainly to address craquelure and some of the aforementioned loss of pigment definition. Dots and dashes are visible throughout the group of figures, and the work remains under a green fluorescing varnish. There are lines of repaint in the architecture and background in the upper third of the picture plane to reinforce the pictures composition.
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.