The canvas is unlined. A canvas join about 17cm. in from the left hand side of the painting is faintly visible on the paint surface. The paint surface is secure, if dirty and under a slightly yellowed varnish. The red and green pigments used for St. John show signs of abrasion. Two scratches, one approx. 6 and the other approx. 3 cm. in length, can be seen just below the left hand thigh of the figure to the bottom right of the painting and both have resulted in some minor paint loss. There are three further minor spots of paint loss, one to the right of this figure's left hand, the second half way up the far right hand column and the third above the head of the man between the two right hand columns. The canvas and paint surface is particularly uneven along the top hand margin and about 30cm down the right and left hand margins. A vertical raised line, possibly an old, restored surface scratch is visble 5 cm. from the left hand margin and runs from the upper margin for approx. 40cm. Inspection under UV light is somewhat impeded by the thick varnish covering the paint surface. However, it does reveal some rather extensive old retouchings to these margins, in some cases extending about 10cm. into the painting. It also reveals some extensive strengthenings to the drapery adorning St. Peter, and stretches of retouching along the lower left hand margin and lower margin. There is a more recent area of retouching to the torso of the man holding the column to the right of St. Peter, but other than this the retouchings are smaller and scattered. Offered in an ornate gilt wood and plaster 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."