Allegorical portrait, bust-length

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.

This painting is executed on canvas which is now laid down on panel. The paint layer is stable and the varnish is clear. There are pinpoint losses in the paint along the weft and weave of the canvas, some of these losses in the beard and face of the sitter have been retouched, these repairs are visible in natural light. There is a fine craquelure which affects the flesh tones, the garments, and areas of the background but is not consistent across the surface. Inspection under ultraviolet light showed further feathered retouching across the sitter’s face, hair, and beard that close the weft and weave of the canvas. There are also three areas - the sitter’s hair on the proper left side of his head, the center of the sitter’s chest and a semi-circular area over the lower right corner - which are covered with an opaque varnish that ultraviolet light does not penetrate. The painting can be hung in its current condition and is offered in a giltwood frame.