Sebastien Vrancx

Anonymous Sale, Paris, Maîtres Couturier, de Nicolay, 29 March 2000, lot 26

A l'oeil nu, le tableau est dans un état de conservation très satisfaisant. Il est peint sur un panneau de chêne fait d'une planche non parquetée, parfaitement droite. Aucun soulèvement de matière. Un léger agrandissement dans la partie inférieure d'une bande de 1,5cm. Le tableau est sous un vernis sale, ancien. On ne constate pas de restauration à l'oeil nu. A la lampe UV : le tableau est sous un vernis vert uniforme, on constate quelques reprises dans l'architecture à gauche de la fenêtre, les toits, les murs. Quelques reprises dans le sol. Les personnages sont très bien préservés. To the naked eye, the painting is in a very good overal condition. It is painted on an oak tree uncradled board, perfectly straight. We can not see any lift of painted surface. It has been slightly enlarged in the lower part with a 1.5 cm strip. The painting is under a dirty old varnish. We cannot see any restoration to the naked eye. Under the UV light : the painting is under a green even varnish. We can see some minor restorations in the architecture on the left of the window, the roofs, the walls. Few restorations on the ground as well. The figures are very-well preserved.
"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."