Michael Dahl

In overall good condition. The canvas is relined, the paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. Much of the impasto paintwork is well-preserved and the colours are bright, although the dark ground has become visible in some areas of the sitters' faces. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouchings in the male sitter's shoulder and hair, and fine lines of retouching to craquelure in the female sitter's face and hair, with a more concentrated patch in her left eyebrow. There is restoration to a small damage upper centre, measuring approx. 1 cm. squared, as well as to a small horizontal scratch between the sitters' heads, measuring approx. 4 cm. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame in good condition.
"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."

We are grateful to Dr. Malcolm Rogers for suggesting the attribution to Dahl, and for dating this work to circa 1690, shortly after the artist returned to England from France and Italy. As J. Douglas Stewart stated, it is on paintings such as this, which offered a lighter and more charming variant of the Baroque style than that of his contemporary and great rival Sir Godfrey Kneller, that Dahl's importance for English painting rests.¹

1. J. Douglas Stewart, 'Dahl, Michael (1659–1743)', in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford 2004; online ed., January 2008.