After Claude Gellée, called Claude Lorrain

Both canvases are lined, the paint surfaces are dirty and the varnish is discoloured on both. As stated in the note, the two upper corners of both paintings have been made up, and there is frame abrasion along the margins of both pictures. The former: there are a number of losses in each of the upper corners and along the upper margin, the largest of which measures no more than 3 x 1 cm. There are also some smaller losses along the lower left margin. There is a tear, lower centre, which has resulted in a loss of 2 x 2 cm., and there is an L-shaped abrasion at the lower right, corresponding with the stretcher. In the centre of the painting near the horizon is a small diagonal line of loss measuring 2 cm. All of the above is visible in the catalogue illustration. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals very few retouchings, save for two small spots in the rigging of the central ship and in the sea, lower right, and in the foreground, lower left. The latter: the canvas has lifted from its lining at the upper left corner and there are small losses along a vertical line 15 cm. in from the left margin and along the made-up edge at the upper right, as well as scattered losses along the lower margin. There is also a small hole in the columned portico of the building. Inspection under UV light reveals little intervention, save for a small retouching in the arm of the rower at lower left, in the boat with the treasure, and in a couple of the cloaks of figures near Cleopatra, lower right. In overall good, original condition, and the pair would benefit from cleaning.
"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."

Two copies after paintings by Claude, not originally conceived as a pair, today in the Musée du Louvre, Paris.¹ Both of the present works appear to once have had shaped tops, of which the upper corners have been made up to form rectangles, suggesting that they may at some point have formed part of an interior decorative scheme.

1. Inv. nos 314 and 317, respectively; see M. Röthlisberger, Claude Lorrain. The Paintings, London 1961, vol. I, pp. 205–06 and 257–58, cat. nos LV63 and LV96, reproduced vol. II, figs 134 and 177, respectively.