JOHN NOST SARTORIUS | Tally Ho and Full Cry: A Pair of Paintings

Sotheby's New York, Property of a Midwestern Lady, October 24, 1996, lot 404A (as dated 1809)

Tally Ho (Left-facing horse): Oil on canvas, with an old, sympathetic lining. Minor surface dirt and dust visible. There are remnants of a discolored varnish visible at the extreme edges. Some minor abrasion at the extreme edges, mainly covered by the current framing. A stable web of craquelure is visible throughout, though it is finer in the sky. Under UV light, the varnish fluoresces green over the majority of the scene, though the varnish over the sky, the dogs, and the rider's face, cravat and britches has been removed. Minor older retouches are visible in the dogs. There is strengthening to the horse's tail, hindquarters, and belly, as well as scattered around the outline of the rider. Framed and ready to hang in its current condition. Full Cry (Right-facing horse): Oil on canvas, with an old, sympathetic lining. Some remnants of gold paint are visible, especially at the upper left corner. Some minor craquelure is visible, mainly in the tree at left. Minor abrasions, though covered by the frame, are visible at all extreme edges. Minor surface dirt and dust. Some thinness to the sky. Under UV light, there is a green fluorescing varnish covering the work, though it has been cleaned from the sky and the dog at lower left. There is a vertical line of retouching extending 4 inches at center left. There is an area of retouching under the dog at lower left; in the area under the horse; and scattered in the lower right corner. Other retouches, mainly to address craquelure , are visible under the green fluorescing varnish. There is one additional spot of newer retouching on the horizon line and some strengthening to the horses reins. Framed and ready to hang in its current 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.
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.