The card players

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 single-piece oak panel has a horizontal split running across the length of the top of the panel, which is stabilised by a piece of canvas on the reverse. There is a further restored crack running horizontally in the upper left corner of approximately 9 cm, and some paint lifting along the crack. The artist's technique and draughtsmanship remain highly appreciable, with some underdrawing visible throughout the composition, such as in the headdress of the female figure in the lower left as well as in the faces of the figures. Ultraviolet examination reveals a streaky and uneven varnish, with selective areas of cleaning and more recent restoration. Further restoration is visible in the background wall of the room and in isolated areas of some of the figures' faces, particularly in the figure at the centre left. There is also some restoration are along the lower part of the panel and edges of the sides of the panel, associated with frame wear.