PAOLO PORPORA | Still life of a forest floor;Still life with a european quail

Both canvases are lined, both paint surfaces are slightly dirty, and both varnishes are thick, shiny and slightly discoloured. There is a degree of visible wear throughout both, and the weave of the canvas has become slightly more visible particularly in the dark tones. The stretcher mark is very visible in the former. Inspection under ultraviolet light is impeded by the opaque varnish, but in raking light it is possible to see retouchings in the former: in the background upper centre, in the left foot of the lizard, along the left margin, to a little restoration in the centre of the upper margin, and in the background just to the left of the lizard's left arm. There also appear to be a handful of fine lines of retouching to superficial surface scratches in the latter painting, one in the back of the frog, and two in the foliage just above it, the longest of which measures approx. 5 cm. There is also a small area of loss below the eye of the left-most frog 0.5 cm. long. There is also a fine line of retouching to a possible old T-shaped tear or surface scratch below the body of the quail which extends into its legs and the body of the frog, approx. 4 x 10 cm. long. Any further intervention is impossible to discern beneath the varnish. Both paintings are in overall fair condition.
"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."