Gillis Claesz. de Hondecoeter

The picture is richer in colour and not as washed out as the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has been relined and the paint has sunk slightly making the paint surface appear to be quite flat in places. There is also evidence of old scattered minor but now stabilised warping in the paint, however this is only noticeable in a raking light. The canvas appears to be in good condition otherwise with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for two small nails in the lower left hand corner as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is what appears to be an area of old restored damage in the centre (in the trees to the right of the vista) measuring approx. 3 in. in diameter, visible only under a raking light. There is also some very minor old frame abrasion along the bottom edge. Examination under ultraviolet reveals retouching to old frame abrasion centre left and through the darker pigments in the foliage on the left. There is also retouching to small areas of damage lower right and centre right and elsewhere there are further scattered minor flecks of retoucing mainly to the darker pigments of the foliage, however a thick varnish impedes inspection. Overall the picture is in good ready to hang condition. Offered in a gilt wood slip style frame in good 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."