Portrait of a gentleman, half-length, with a dog; and Portrait of a lady as Melancholia

The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

The canvases have been subject to relining; they are held under tension and remain stable. Both present a fine pattern of craquelure; the paint remains stable. There is an old varnish that carries some dirt. There appears to have been some retouching to the backgrounds, notably on the male portrait at upper left. Examination under UV confirms the retouching to the male portrait. There has evidently been some infill to the craquelure and possibly a stabilisation campaign. On the female portrait the cloudy varnish preculdes an in depth examination, though there is a suggestion of retouching to the background and to the sleeve of the dress. Both the sitters' faces appear in good condition.