The canvas has been relined and has warped a little in the upper left hand corner. There is also a dent to the canvas above Porcia's head. The paint surface is a little sunken, particularly in the brown, green and grey tones, but the colours and details of the work are largely well-preserved. The paint surface has a pronounced craquelure running throughout and is under a glossy and uneven varnish. A knock/tear to the dish on the table, measuring approximately 7 cm. has resulted in a little paint loss. A restored knock measuring 5 by 5 cm. to the background left of Porcia's neck, another measuring approximately 5 by 3cm. to her right hip and an old restored tear measuring approximately 7 cm. are apparent to the naked eye due to unevenness in the painting's surface. Inspection under UV light confirms the retouchings to these areas, and further reveals fairly extensive though scattered retouchings to the periphery of the work. A number of retouchings to the flesh tones fluoresce, though this is mainly The flesh tones are also fairly extensively retouched but these retouchings mainly attends to the infilling of the craquelure. Just a handful of scattered spot retouchings to the tablecloth fluoresce. Offered in a stained wood and marble effect frame in fairly 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."