ROMAN SCHOOL, 17TH CENTURY | Still life of flowers and fruits, including melons, figs and cherries, strewn across a forest floor

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is dirty and the varnish is discoloured. There is an area of loss, 3 by 2 cm., beside the quinces, upper right (visible in the catalogue illustration). Scattered throughout the painting are small, discoloured retouchings to old losses, probably caused by flaking, notably in the upper left corner, and there are other tiny losses, which have not been retouched. There are some larger, more concentrated areas of discoloured retouching along the lower margin, in the background centre left and centre right, and in the grapes, upper centre. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a milky varnish, underneath which the aforementioned retouchings are visible, along with further small, scattered spots of retouching. In overall fair condition. Offered in a painted wood frame with a number of losses.
"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."