Andrea Locatelli

The picture is slightly richer in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas appears to have been strip lined and the paint surface appears to be in very good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye. There is a spidery craquelure visible in the varnish upon close inspection. Examination under ultraviolet reveals scattered minor flecks of retouching throughout the sky and the central tree. There is also minor retouching to the topmost canvas presumably from old restored frame abrasion. The canvas appears to be structurally sound apart from retouching to very minor old restored tears at the canvas edge - one in the lower left at the top of the leftmost foreground shrub measuring approx. 1 in. and four in the centre right, the largest measuring approx 2 in. The principle areas, namely the figural groups seem to be for the most part untouched. There is an uneven varnish overall. Offered in a plain carved wood frame in good overall 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."