Private collection, France.

A l’œil nu : Par rapport à l’illustration du catalogue, la peinture se révèle en réalité un petit peu moins blanche et brillante. Le tableau semble globalement être dans un état de conservation satisfaisant. Le tableau est peint sur une planche renforcée au dos par deux morceaux de bois, partiellement insérés. Le support a été agrandi (probablement pour correspondre au cadre) dans sa partie supérieure et à droite. Quelques craquelures horizontales assez prononcées peuvent être observées, avec une lacune sur le coin inférieur droit. La couche picturale est très sèche ce qui aurait provoqué une légère boursouflure de la surface près de la tête de l'âne. A la lampe U.V. : Le tableau apparaît sous un vernis vert irrégulier. On remarque les reprises de quelques contours du vêtement de la Vierge, autour de l’âne, dans le foin, et au milieu du berceau et de la Vierge, les craquelures ont été remplies. Vendu avec un cadre de style ancien doré et peint en doré, rouge et blanc avec des textes en latin et espagnol. Il est dans un état de conservation satisfaisant (quelques anciens trous de vers à bois et éclats). The actual painting is a bit less white and bright than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The painting seems overall to be in a fair condition. Under the naked eye : The reverse of the single (?) panel has two vertical batons partly inset to its back, and has been enlarged (to fit the frame?) on the top and right sides. Some strong horizontal craquelure lines can be observed, with a paintloss on the lower right edge as well as tendency towards dryness with results in some light blistering of the paint surface near the head of the donkey. Otherwise the craquelure pattern is fine and schematic and seems to be filled in, in places; for example in the face of the Virgin. Under UV light : The varnish layer fluoresces partially showing strengthening to some of the contours of the Virgin’s clothing, around the donkey, around the hay, and in between the crib and the Virgin the craquelure has been filled in and strengthened. Offered with an old style gold frame with red, gold and white with Latin and Spanish inscriptions, in fairly good condition (some old woodworm and chips).
"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."