PRAGUE SCHOOL, 17TH CENTURY | Venus with Two Doves and a Golden Basin

The canvas is laid down on board and possibly backed with an additional board. The image reads well beneath a slightly discolored varnish. There is some finely patterned craquelure in areas here and there, consistent with age. While there are some retouches in the upper and lower background, mostly near the edges, the figure is largely well-preserved, with only a few scattered retouches in her body, for example, in her neck, a spot on her left and in her right arm, and a few scattered spots in her lower costume. Her face is largely untouched, with just a few very small and scattered spots of retouching. There is an old repair in her right foot and in the center of her chest. Most of the retouches have slightly discolored and are visible to the naked eye, although they are not distracting. Inspection under UV reveals the aforementioned retouches, as well as a varnish that fluoresces unevenly in areas around the face. There are a few very small and unnoticeable losses in the upper background. The painting can certainly hang in its present condition, though it might benefit from a freshened varnish and perhaps some of the discolored retouches could be addressed. Offered in a simply carved giltwood frame.
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.
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