Dutch School, 1598

Anonymous sale, Paris, Drouot Richelieu, 12 December 1995, lot 207;
With Richard Philp, London, 1997;
From whom acquired by the present owners. 

The painting overall presents a bright and clear image beneath a clean and fresh varnish. The panel is made up of four vertical boards which are flat and in good condition. It is beveled on the upper and lower edges and cradled on the reverse with butterfly inserts along some of the panel joins. The paint surface is clean and stable and appears to have been restored in the not too distant past. Inspection under UV reveals fine retouching along the three vertical panel joins and to a fine vertical crack running approximately 6 in. from the lower edge at right. The retouching to the panel join running to left of the sitters face has discolored slightly in the ruff and is faintly visible to the naked eye though this is not distracting. There is further minor retouching scattered in the background and costume and some feathered retouching through the hands and face. The painting requires no further work and is ready to hang in its present state. Offered in an elaborately carved gilt wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.