The canvas is unlined. The detail of the painting, particularly the sitter's hair, and some of the impasto of his armour, is well-preserved, though the paint surface is rather dirty and under an old varnish. There is a fine craquelure running across the paint surface which shows the potential to lift in a few places. As is visible in the catalogue illustration, there is a horizontal tear approximately 40cm. in length running from the outer edge of the sitter's right elbow to his left elbow. This tear has extended vertically for approximately 6cm. at two points at the sitter's right elbow. There is paint loss along this tear and furthermore a small hole just below the centre of the tear, a minor patch of paint loss to the left hand side of the sitter's hair and in the background to the left of his head and paint loss as a result of a dent in his right hand cheek, as visible in the catalogue illustration. A fairly large old, restored L-shape tear is visible just above the aforementioned tear and there are furthermore some retouchings apparent to three /four smaller damages to the right of the sitter's head. Inspection under UV light is somewhat impeded by the layer of varnish, but confirms the retouchings made to these areas, and reveals some retouching work to the upper right hand corner of the painting. UV light further seems to suggest some extensive infilling of the aforementioned craquelure. Aside from this the sitter remains largely untouched, although the painting would benefit from a light surface clean as there are some rogue flecks of paint or similar splattered across the canvas. Offered in a black and gold painted 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."