The painting is slightly more yellow in colour but lighter in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has quite a firm relining and as a result the paint surface is thin in places, particularly in those with the more fugitive pigments. Overall though the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition given the picture's age and there is a craquelure visible overall. Examination under ultraviolet reveals the presence of a dirty old varnish overall as well as some minor cosmetic retouching to the topmost and leftmost old stretcher bar marks, as well as to two minor old surface scratches measuring approx. 3 in. in the sky upper left. There is also several campaigns of scattered infilling and retouching throughout the sky and branches. The figures and horses have been strengthened and there is further infilling to old craquelure in the lower half of the canvas, including minor retouching to an old area of damage measuring approx. 2 in in diameter below the house in the background centre left. Offered in a gold painted carved wood frame in good overall 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."