FLORENTINE SCHOOL, MID 14TH CENTURY | A kneeling donor before two standing Saints, the Angel of the Annunciation above

Private collection, Switzerland.

The panel is uncradled and flat. The paint surface is relatively dirty and the varnish relatively discoloured. The work shows evidence of wear throughout the saints and donor's clothing, in the faces of the saints themselves, and in much of the gold ground - this has been retouched in the painted areas with fine stippling to distinguish these from the preserved original parts of the panel. There are a handful of pin prick losses caused by old woodworm. There are small losses in the hand of the saint on the left, in the lower part of his robe, and on his left side, caused by tenting and associated flaking. There are two vertical cracks in the panel running up from the lower margin, the first measuring approx. 45 cm. which runs up through the saint on the right, the second approx. 20 cm. in the left figure. There are numerous retouchings visible to the naked eye throughout, notably around the areas of raised tenting in the red robe of the left-hand saint, and also through his blue robe and to damages in his neck. There are also numerous areas of the stippled retouching and other restorations to the gold ground. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms all these.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."