Flemish School, 16th century

The paintings are slightly cooler in tone than the illustrations suggest. The support of almost all the panels is made up of two vertical planks (exceptions are numbers 1 and 6 which are made up of three separate planks). The panels are generally flat, uncradled and bevelled along the edges. The paint surfaces are generally in good condition with the exception of the brown and green pigments in some of the draperies which have deteriorated. All the paintings appear to have been recently cleaned and restored, and could be hung as they are. Restoration consists of scattered retouchings, for example along panel joins, but this has been sensitively done and for the most part is not visible to the naked eye. Under ultra-violet light the following could be seen:- 1 - minor strengthening to the face, along joins, scattered in the background, along the edges, and a 10cm. damage lower centre; 2 – panel has a slight bow along left side which has led to flaking in the past and areas of the paint surface are still unstable (especially in the left half, lower centre, and on his cheek). Retouchings are visible on and near the panel join as well as where flaking has occurred; 3 – the cloak pigment has deteriorated and there are scattered retouchings to the cloak, neck (parts in shadow), headdress and background; 4 – strengthening to shadows and retouchings along the join as well as an area in the centre around the earpiece of the helmet. A knot or damage is in the centre, and further retouchings occur nearby; 5 – the cloak pigment has deteriorated and there are retouchings here. Scattered retouchings and minor strengthenings also to the shadows; 6 – retouching is restricted to the vertical join and a few scattered in the dark headpiece and drapery lower right, where the pigment has deteriorated; 7 – the costume pigment has altered. More retouchings are visible here and there is evidence of flaking in the past and the paint surface appears a little unstable; 8 – very few retouchings, mainly along the vertical join and on the shadow over the eyes. A vertical crack is visible 5cm. from the left edge; 9 – the brown pigment of the cloak lower right has deteriorated and cracked. Otherwise the painting is in good condition with retouchings only along the panel join. There are a couple of vertical cracks upper centre; 10 – as well as the vertical join halfway across, there is a vertical crack a quarter of the way in from the right edge (which goes down to halfway) – there are retouchings along these but otherwise only very minor scattered retouchings; 12 – the dark green scarf intertwined in the headdress has darkened or altered but otherwise very few retouchings are visible. All the paintings are offered in matching gilt wood frames, showing some wear and tear but structurally sound. The paintings and their frames could be hung as they are.
"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."