French School, 18th Century

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 9 December 2004, lot 224 (as Follower of Jan Frans van Bloemen, called L'Orizzonte);
There purchased by the present collector.

Canvas is relined. Overall this picture is in favorable condition. The colors and detailing in the landscape are all in very nice state of preservation. UV light confirms that that the majority of the composition has been left untouched from retouching. Two areas have received visible restoration, one in the upper right corner, and one in the upper left corner. In the upper right, some craquelure has been retouched, and some other small touches in the sky. In the upper left, a small spot of retouching in the cloud along the top edge, and some other small strokes. Additionally, the edge of the tree at left, extending about two inches in appears to have been reinforced. Otherwise, the majority of the sky, and all of foreground, including figures and architectural elements are in very good condition and have been left untouched. The picture is in overall very good condtion. May be hung as is. In a carved giltwood frame with a couple of small losses around the edge of the frame.
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.