F. J. DAVIS | St.Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle

The following condition report has been prepared by Hamish Dewar Ltd, London UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE Structural Condition The artist's panel has three horizontal cross batons plus a number of supports on the reverse, applied presumably to support the various panel joins. The reverse of the panel also has a coating of what appears to be dark paint. The structural condition would appear to be sound and secure. Paint surface The paint surface has a reasonably even varnish layer. There are some lines of entirely stable drying craquelure, most notably in the dark blue pigments of the coat of the man in the lower right of the composition. These are as a result of the natural drying processes of the artist's materials. Inspection under ultraviolet shows only a few small, scattered retouchings, including some just below the upper edge of the elaborate frame and a few small spots in the lower right. There may also be some lines applied to strengthen the outlines and contours of the some of the figures but it should be stressed that the retouchings identifiable under ultraviolet light are of minimal size. The fine details of the composition appear to be very well preserved. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in very good and stable condition. Held in an impressive gilt carved frame.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."