South Netherlandish School, circa 1600

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 28 October 1992, lot 35 (as Circle of Peter de Witte).

The actual painting is softer and less harsh in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel seems to consist of 2 planks joined horizontally and is bevelled on all sides. There's a small crack in the centre along the join. Left of the join, the panel has cracked and a vertical split is running from the upper to the lower edge, which requires attention. There's a chip in the upper left corner. There's a larger paint loss and an area of thinnes to the lower right. A retouched surface scratch is visible in the upper left corner, and there's frame abrasion along the edges. A few scattered retouchings are visible to the naked eye, e.g. along the crack and the join, and in the third person from the right. Under UV light, a few additional retouchings are revealed, but the figures appear to be nicely preserved. Offered in a plain black wood frame with a few 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."