The canvases are unlined, the paint surfaces are very dirty and the varnishes are discoloured.
The former:
Some areas of the darker pigments, notably in the upper right corner, have developed a more distinct craquelure and there are some resultant small losses. There are also some losses in the lower left corner and along the lower margin, with other small, scattered losses centre left and in the background. There is retouching visible to the naked eye to a large area of damage which runs from the middle of the window pane through the castle and down into the sitter's sleeve. Inspection under ultraviolet light is impeded by the old, milky varnish but appears to reveal other small retouchings in parts of the sitter's lace collar, and extensive retouching possibly to old ares of flaking through his black clothes, and in the top of his hand and the carpet above this.
The latter:
Some areas of the darker pigments, notably in the upper right corner, have developed a more distinct craquelure upper left and around her hair, with a handful of resultant small losses. There are visible areas of retouching to former losses in the arch of the window and to several areas in the background to her right, as well as scattered in the lower half of her dress. There is an I-shaped tear in the background to the right of the table leg lower left, with associated losses which is supported on the reverse by a patch of canvas. Inspection under ultraviolet light is impeded by the old, milky varnish but confirms the aforementioned retouchings and further reveals other retouchings scattered throughout, but there do not appear to be any other major damages.
The varnishes make it difficult to discern the extent of previous intervention. Both canvases would benefit greatly from cleaning and consolidation of some areas of the paint surface. Much of the fine detail in both paintings, particular in the female sitter's jewellery, remain very well preserved.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.
