Originally from Westport House, Co. Mayo, Ireland, and comissioned by John Browne, 1st Earl of Altamont (c.1709-1776)

STRUCTURE The canvas has been firmly lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in fair condition with evidence of a thick discoloured varnish overall in keeping with the paintings age and probable situation. There is also a layer of surface dirt that has been pressed into the canvas during the lining process which is most noticeable in the upper left. Otherwise there is no apparent damage or loss of paint except for two very minor paint losses on the lower edge most probably caused by abrasion with the frame, an idea which is supported by the minor wear visible to the canvas edges. I suspect that the picture would benefit greatly from a gentle clean. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish which makes extensive inspection impossible, but one is able to discern several campaigns of retouching, most recently and noticeably in the upper left to the most prominent branches and in the adjoining sky. To the left of this, in the trunk of the tree there is evidence of retouching to old, now stabilised vertical cracking in the paint surface. Elsewhere there is what appears to be very minor scattered infilling to craquelure in the darker areas of the escarpement, in the centre and upper right. FRAME Held in a trumeau giltwood frame. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@laitexier.com, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@laitexier.com.
"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."