Tuscan School, 17th century

oil on canvas

The canvas has been relined and the paint surface is under a dull old varnish. The paint surface has been generally quite well preserved and there is very nice detail in the figure, especially in his face, hair and headdress. Some pressing of the paint surface is noticeable in the blue drapery at lower left. There are some old crudely applied fills along the extreme top edge, probably to address losses due to frame rubbing (this is not visible in the catalogue image). Another old fill can be seen in the blue drapery lower left, a small one on his upper arm, and a couple along the bottom edge. There are two minor scratches visible on the shoulder of the statue at far right and one tiny one on sitter's chin. Under UV light: nothing fluoresces through the old varnish. This painting has not been attended to in a long time and would benefit from a re-addressing of the old and crudely done restorations which would greatly improve the appearance.Offered in an elaborately carved and gilt wood frame with a stylized leaf pattern.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.