The painting has an old glue lining and both support and paint surface appear in good and stable condition. There is an old repaired diagonal tear of approximately 5 in. running from the shoulder of the figure with outstretched arm to the head of the sea creature, lower right. There is a repaired puncture at the base of the tear resulting in a small area of repaint to the head of the sea creature and the thighs of the nymph. The puncture remains a little open on the reverse of the canvas causing a slight lift in the paint surface which may require minor stabilization. Inspection under UV reveals very little further retouching though visibility is impaired by an old milky varnish. The painting would benefit from a light clean and revarnish, Offered unframed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

We are grateful to Alastair Laing for pointing out that the pose of Venus is almost exactly the same as that of the reclining goddess in Boucher's Sleeping Venus with Cupid awake sold, Monaco, Sotheby's, 26 October 1981, lot 548, and the rocky headland is reminiscent of that in The Birth of Venus by that artist's studio in the Wallace Collection, London.