The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is generally secure and under a thick yellow varnish. Inspection under UV light is rendered impossible by the thick varnish, although scattered retouchings are visible to the naked eye. There is a small scratch lower right but the paint surface is secured by the varnish. Offered in a wood and plaster frame in fair 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."

Taken from Virgil's epic poem The Aeneid, the subject of this painting depicts the famous event which precipitated the Trojan War. Paris had travelled to Sparta in search of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the ancient world, who had been promised to him by Venus because he had chosen her as the fairest of the goddesses. Hosted by the unsuspecting king Menelaus, the prince abducts his wife while Menelaus is called away to Crete. Enraged, Menelaus and his brother Agamemnon later incite all the Greek princes to declare war on Troy. In this scene, Helen is being forcibly carried onto a ship by Paris while his ൩companions struggle to keep the Greek soldiers at bay.