Francesco Zuccarelli, R.A.

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 18 March 1955, lot 91, to Agnew for 800 guineas;
With Thomas Agnew and Sons, London, until at least 1958.

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Both canvases are lined. The linings are stiff , there is a loss of tension and a slight convex curvature to both. 1. The coarser canvas is evident. The paint layer is slightly raised but stable. There is a small loss to a branch in the tree and some of the leaves have been abraded, leading to a lack of definition. Thinning of the paint has allowed the reddish ground to become a little more prevalent in some areas , such as the water under the bridge. 2. The canvas is finer in texture. The paint layer is stable with a small 3cm vertical tear in the water, lower left, and a corresponding parallel scratch. Minor abrasion to the darker passages can be seen along with a scattering of discoloured retouchings in the sky denoting small paint loss. Slight thinness to the paint of the sheep's legs, the woman and child's hair and within the shadows of the foliage , lower right, can be seen Overall, the paint to both is well preserved with many details in original condition.
"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."