Lombard School, 17th Century

Both pictures are slightly more yellow than in tone than the catalogue illustrations would suggest. Both are on flat stable panels with two verical baton supports at the panel edges on the reverse. The paint surface of the first (as illustrated at the top in the catalogue) is in fair condition. There is old cracking along the horizontal grain and there is surface dirt and a thick varnish overall. There are two minor surface scratches centre left and under a raking light there are retoucings to old minor losses parallel to Christ's right shoulder. Examination under ultraviolet reveals retoucings to the aforementioned areas and infilling to old horizontal cracking along the grain. The second, illustrated below, is in good overall conditon and comparatively the paint surface is in better condition as the cracking is not as severe and is only visible in the lower horizontal band. There is a very minor single flake of paint loss above the dog and upper left above Christ's head. A thick varnish impedes ultraviolet inspection however there are old retoucings visible in the rushes centre right and to the cracking. Both offered in intricate carved dark wood 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."