Follower of Claude-Joseph Vernet

In overall fair condition. The canvas is lined, the paint surface is quite dirty and the varnish is slightly discoloured. There are tiny spots of paint loss scattered throughout the upper left quadrant, and two further areas, one circa 4cm. from the left side of the upper ledge, and another circa 5cm. from the centre of the left edge, both with associated visible retouching. There is some wear and associated visible retouching along the left edge, as well as scattered throughout the sky. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals these as well as an area 4cm. from the lower third of the left edge, and some spots in the lower left corner, but not much else is visible beneath the thick, milky varnish. Offered in a carved in gilt wood frame with losses in the corners.
"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."

A period copy after Vernet's painting dated 1758 bought by M. Poulhariez, Marseille, in 1759 for 1,000 Livres, which was later in the collections of Théodore Bonjean and Edmond Noël, by whom it was sold in Paris, Galerie Georges Petit, 27 May 1904, lot 24.¹ The composition was engraved by P. Benazech in 1771. 1. See F. Ingersoll-Smouse, Joseph Vernet. Peintre de Marine 1714-1789, Paris 1926, vol. I, p. 90, cat. no. 710, reproduced fig. 166.