A Pair of China Trade Paintings Mid-19th Century

oil on canvas, each depicting a three-masted sea-going junk, moored on the Pearl River, with sails down, launching a smaller boat, the Dutch Folly Fort in the background; one ship shown from aft revealing a rectangular-shaped, decorated stern, the other from the open, vaulted bow, framed.

Acquired in New York City, 1960s.

Both paintings have been previously cleaned and relined. There is some overall crackling and yellowed varnish and surface dirt. There appear to be some areas of overpaint to the water of both paintings and one painting has had something spilled on the surface near the fort. This shows as a series of drips in the catalogue photo. This painting also has some cracking to the paint surface along the line of the stretcher, directly below the small boat, also visible in the catalogue photo. Both paintings would benefit from cleaning and revarnishing.
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.