Flemish School, 17th Century

Both panels have been cradled and consist of two vertical planks. The right hand side of the lady has an old split in the right plank from top to bottom and a smaller vertical crack some 12 cm long running up from the bottom edge in the lower right hand corner. This panel has a very slight convex bow. Both pictures are now dirty and covered with yellowed varnish. There are areas on both where the paint surface has lifted and where there have been some minor losses, notably the bottom half of the lady and upper left and lower right for the man. The paint surface is reasonably well preserved, especially for the man, and ultra violet light reveals local retouching throughout both panels, mostly to the backgrounds, notably the lady where the flesh tones and cartouche are also reinforced. Both panels are offered in plain and rather battered gilt wood frames.
"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."