Joost Cornelisz. Droochsloot

Anonymous sale, New York, Parke-Bernet, November 27, 1968, lot 127, where purchased by the late husband of the present collector.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This panel has an old cradle in the reverse which nicely stabilizes the paint layer. An original join runs horizontally through the center of the work and the paint layer is extremely dirty. Restorations have been added to the old break in the panel and there is some thinness in the foreground, particularly on the left side however, in general the picture appears to be quite healthy. Until the picture is cleaned it will remain unclear as to what exactly the condition of the paint layer is, but one may speculate with confidence that the picture will respond very well to 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.
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.