Cornelis Beelt

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 22 April 2004, lot 89, where acquired for £22,000 by the present owner.

The canvas has a new relining. The paint surface is a little dirty and slightly abraded, particularly in the sky, and has a fine craquelure running throughout. No major damages to the painting are apparent to the naked eye. Inspection under UV light reveals fairly extensive but scattered and fine spot retouchings to the sky, particularly to the right of the church tower at centre. Very few retouchings and strengthenings fluoresce in the foreground, just to the hilltop left, the man's trousers far left, the child foreground left, the ground lower centre and the sea to the right. It is possible that further retouchings are masked by the varnish covering the painting. Offered in a black northern-style frame in good condition.
"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."