The painting is brighter than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is dirty and under an old, uneven varnish, but is in good condition. There are some paint losses to the wall and topiary lower left, along the left hand side of the lower margin, to the building in the right hand foreground and to the sky upper right. Concentrated retouchings to the ground are visible to the naked eye due to their discolouration, particularly along the lower margin. Inspection under UV light confirms these retouchings and further reveals extensive old retouchings to the sky. Very few scattered spot retouchings in the foreground buildings fluoresce. Offered in a gilt wood frame with plaster mouldings 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."