Spanish School, late 18th century

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 14 October 2003, lot 238;
There purchased by the present collector.

Oil on canvas, with an old, sympathetic lining. The original canvas is starting to rip at the stretcher bar. The surface is covered with a thick, yellowed varnish. A stable web of craquelure is visible, as are stretcher bar marks, and a circular area of craquelure near the center of the work just above the horizon. Some of this craquelure is beginning to separate and lift; there is a small area in the center of the sky that exhibits some minor loss. The surface is covered in dirt, and has been flattened by the lining. Under UV light, the varnish fluoresces green and obscures the majority of the work. Some areas of light florescence are visible throughout the sky. Additional florescence at the extreme edges especially the top edge and to address craquelure at the upper left quadrant. Additionally some scattered circular areas of florescence, probably surface dirt, are visible in the lower half of the work.
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.