Balthazar Beschey

With Rafael Valls, London

The signed pictures are both richer in colour and clearer intone than the catalogue illustration sugests. Both are painted on single flat stable bevelled panels. he is in very good condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for two very minro parallel surface sctratches in the background centre left as can be seen in the catlaogue illustration. There is a spidery craquelure overall and very minor speckles of surface dirt. Under a raking light there is evidence of retouching to the panel edges caused by old frame abrasion. Examination under ultraviolet reveals, apart from the aforementioned retouching to the edges, some further minor scattered cosmetic flecks of retouching to an old well restored horizontal split along the grain of the wood running through the sitter's chest. There is also evidence of old retouching to an area of restored damage upper right in the background. She is in good overall condition apart from the beginnings of an horizontal split running through her just as can be seen in the catalogue illustration lower left. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals very minor retouchings to the panel edges and some scattered very very minor flecks of retoucing to her clothes and hair. There is also an older line of retouching along the grain running from her chin to the middle of the background centre left. Otherwise the picture is in very good condition. Offered in matching Dutch style balck painted 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."