STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint. There is evidence of surface dirt and a discoloured varnish overall in keeping with the painting's age. There is also some very minor bitchumising in evidence in the shadow of the sitter's lapels. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish which makes further inspection difficult however there appears to have been several campaigns of minor cosmetic retouching to the peripheral areas (the sitter's face would appear to be untouched). There has been some very minor retouching to an old stretcher bar mark in the upper right and lower left hand corners and along the lower edge. There has also been a campaign of retouching along the canvas edges and there is further retouching to what appears to be an old scratch centre left measuring approx. 5 in. across. Finally there has been an old campaign to strengthen the sitter's clothes in places, however this is obascured by the varnish. Overall the painting appears to be in very good condition. FRAME Held in a grand rococo 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."