Eugène-Napoleon Flandin French, 1803-1876

Mortier-Valat, Galerie Vermeuil-Saints-Pères, Paris
Purchased by the present owner from the above in 1984 

Paris, Salon de 1836, no. 694

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Examination report unconditional and without prejudice Eugene Napoleon Flandin Vue de la Piazzetta San Marco et du Palais Ducal de Venise oil on canvas Structural Condition The canvas has been lined but the lining canvas has started to delaminate from the original and urgently requires relining. Paint Surface The paint surface has extensive discoloured retouchings which are clearly visible in natural light. This is most evident in the sky where large areas of the original pigment are covered with oxidised overpaint. It is obviously impossible to be certain as to how much of this retouching is really necessary but it has clearly been liberally applied and I would be confident that much of the retouching would be found to be unnecessary should it be removed during the cleaning process. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows a number of other retouchings, most notably in the sky and also lines filling craquelure in the darker pigments of the buildings. Summary The painting therefore requires extensive treatment but should respond well to relining, cleaning and restoration.
"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."

A smaller version of the present composition (measuring 51.5 by 82cm.) was sold at Christie's New York on 29 October 2003.