SIR ANTHONY VAN DYCK AND STUDIO | Portrait of Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange (1631–1660)

The following condition report is provided by Sarah Walden who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Sir Anthony Van Dyck and Studio. Portrait of Mary, Princess Royal. This painting has a firm lining and stretcher dating from the very early years of the twentieth century evidently from the Agnews label attached. The peaceful background of these two great portraits and an equally calm ensuing century can be clearly seen in every detail of the works themselves. The rarity of paintings in such virtually untouched condition is exceptional. A fine craquelure can be seen throughout, with a slight film of old varnish scarcely dimming the beautifully unworn paint surface. A few minor superficial spots such as by the left eyelid and even occasional splashes from house paint can be seen across the surface. There has been a single intervention near the lower centre of the right edge, with one narrow line of recent surface retouching down the inner side of the stretcher bar line. This is visible under ultra violet light, with some protective traces, of consolidation perhaps, behind. No other trace of raised craquelure can be found. A wedge in the stretcher at upper left has been replaced but has not fully smoothed the otherwise even texture throughout. These are minimal imperfections in a painting in quite exceptionally beautiful condition. This report was not done under laboratory conditions.
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