Netherlandish School, 1627

Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina;
By whom sold, New York, Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., 20 November 1980, lot 47 (as Cornelius de Vos).

The panel is made of three vertical boards. It is flat, stable, and cradled. The painting presents a strong image beneath a slightly uneven varnish, particularly in the upper left quadrant, above the head of the figure, and near the center of the lower edge in his costume. The vertical joins, with some associated cracking to the paint surface, are visible to the naked eye, though are not too distracting to the overall impression. Inspection under UV reveals a varnish that fluoresces unevenly. Retouching is visible along the joins, a small spot on the sitter's face, some fine lines in his head, some small spots in his hands, some loose strokes in his collar. Some looser passages of retouching throughout the background and the costume, with strengthening to decorative details of his coat. Offered in decoratively carved giltwood frame with a few nicks.
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.