Roman School, late 17th Century

The canvas is unlined which has meant that the paint surface is suffering from considerable craquelure. There is a small tear in the lower left corner where the aging canvas has thinned. Some minor flaking and loss of paint in the upper left corner. The varnish is old and dirty, but there is no reason the colours are not still strong beneath the yellowed tone, the work would certainly benefit from a clean. There is frame rubbing along all edges, and a white patchy stain in the lower right hand side, 10 x 3 cm, also just needing a surface clean. Inspection udner UV light shows a repaired horiztonal tear 6 cm long centre right, and another lower right mesuring 5 cm extending from the lower left hand edge. In the upper left corner extending all the way down the left side are small patches or repair, also some scattered spot retouchings on the ground between Christ's feet and tothe right of Mary Magdalene. Very old infilling of craquelure on both their faces. This lot is offerd in a gilt frame, with tiny decorative mouldings, and some old woodworm holes.
"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."