French School, 17th Century

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The canvas is lined and there is a horizontal seam running through the sitter’s legs. The paint layer is sound but evidence of past loss can be detected, e.g. the background, the sitter’s nose and robe, his legs and the face of the reclining figure at his feet. Some loss has been retouched out, including a scattering of pin prick losses in the sky. The varnish is heavily discoloured and degraded and its removal not only would significantly improve the tonality but would also reveal many areas of the paint layer to be in well preserved condition with texture and impasto intact."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."