JUAN BAUTISTA MARTÍNEZ DEL MAZO | Portrait of Príncipe Don Felipe Próspero, Prince of Asturias (1657-1661), son of Philip IV of Spain, standing in an interior, his right hand resting on the back of a chair on which sits a pet dog

The canvas has an old relining, which is still sound, and approximately 8 cm. of the original canvas has been folded over the stretcher on the top edge, possibly in order to fit the present frame. The painting is in fair overall condition. The paint layer was thinly applied and has as a result suffered from general wear. There is an old vertical repaired tear, 36 cm. long, running from the upper margin to just above the sitter's outstretched arm, incorporating an L-shaped repaired damage, 10 by 10 cm., in the background to the left of the sitter's head. There is a smaller, 7 cm. damage to the left of this, and some other scattered repairs of slightly smaller dimensions in the upper background, buff tunic, and in the foreground. The left-hand margin shows a number of restored repairs to old creasing, presumably caused by rolling of the canvas. Other repairs are limited to scattered retouchings and the disguising of wear, mostly in the background. This restoration is relatively recent, the varnish remains clear, and the painting is not in need of any further intervention. Offered in a later carved and gilt and waxed wood frame in very good 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. 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."