English School 17th Century

STRUCTURE Original panel. PANT SURFACE The painting is generally in good presentable condition. There are some old marks to the panel lower right and some general surface dirt in keeping with age. Panel joins are visible through the paint surface, though without paint loss. There is an additional diagonal join at the top of the panel. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals scattered light re-touching throughout the panel. FRAME The panel is 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. 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."

This charming scene depicts a group of gentlemen and ladies seated beneath an ivy covered pergola.  Behind the assembled company there is a formal seventeenth century parterre garden marked out with symmetrical gravel paths. To the right a game of lawn billiards is being played.  A forerunner of croquet, lawn billiards, or Troco, was played by passing a wooden ball through an iron ring fixed to the ground on a movable pivot.  Although the precise rules of the game are unclear, and much debated, unlike the modern game the ball was lifted from the ground using a spade like the instrument seen in use here.