Johann Carl Loth

The painting's colours are more concentrated and the blue cloak is greener than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has been relined and a horizontal seam runs 40 cm from the lower edge. The paint surface is secure with fine craquelure throughout. The darker brown tones appear to have become somewhat sunken into the paint surface. Inspection under UV light reveals retouchings in the darker tones and outlines to add definition, for example in Tobit's hair, in an area lower right, in the fish and dog lower left, and in some background areas. A restored vertical tear of aprox 40 cm runs to the left of Tobias. Many large passages are untouched, for example Tobit's torso. Offered in a later wooden frame in fair 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."

Loth repeated the subject in a work of very similar composition in the Kunstsalon Franke in Leipzig (see G. Ewald, Johann Carl Loth, Amsterdam 1965, p. 69, cat. no. 122, reproduced plate 59).