Circle of Sebastiano Ricci

The catalogue illustrations are representative. All are unlined. The first (as illustrated at the top of the page) appears to be in good overall condition. The paint surface retains a nice impasto. There is a very minor old fleck of paint loss in the lower left beneath the hirses bottom most hoof and there is old abrasion visible at the canvas edges. In a raking light there appears to be an old restored area of vertical damage in the sky upper left measuring approx. 6 in. which corresponds with an old patch verso. Examination under ultraviolet reveals confirms this and reveals very minor old scattered retouching to the canvas edge as well as a thick discoloured milky milky vanrish overall which impedes further inspection. The second (illustrated in the middle in the catalogue) appears to be in good overal condition except for a hold measuring approx. 1/2 in. in the knee of the background shepherd centre left. There is also a minor fleck of paint loss at the canvas edge lower centre however this is concealed by the frame. There is surface dirt overall and similarly abrasion at the canvas edges. Examination under ultraviolet reveals scattered retouching concentrated around the canvas edges upper left and a block of retouching to the architecture behind the two foremost women. There are scattered minor cosmetic flecks elsewhere however a thick discoloured milky varnish impedes further inspection. There are none small patches on the reverse around the canvas edges The third (illustrated at the bottom in the catalogue) seems to be in the best condition with no damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye except for a very minor old discoloured surface scratch that arcs beneath the bended knee measuring approx. 2 in. Under a raking light there is a very minor square canvas addition measuring approx. 1/2 in. in the curtain center left. Examination under ultraviolet reveals retouching to what may be old damage at the canvas edge above the kneeling figure and to the area directly above the head of the right most figure. There is also strengthening to the contour of the curtain centre left and to old frame abrasion to the canvas edge lower left and centre right. Similarly a thick discoloured varnish impedes further inspection. On the reverse there are six small patches. Overall all three picture remain in remarkably good condition given their age and the fact they are unline and on their original stretchers. All are glazed and offered in matching gild wood and plaster frames in good condition. surface dirt and barasion
"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."