The canvas is unlined with original tacking margins stuck down with adhesive tape to the stretcher. One key is missing, but there is fair tension. There is a line of old wax impregnated into the back of the canvas at the reverse. There is a significant distortion to the canvas over the largest partridge in flight, and a futher convex horizontal distortion from a blow from the reverse (see images in raking light). There is a patch of active flaking above the head of the partridge and to the horizontal distortion (see images).

There is a brittle age craquelure throughout, especially associated with the stretcher bar, and diagonal cracks across the corners. Most of the cracking is secure, except a patch of tight raised, slighly flaking paint approx. 2.5inches below the dog (see images in raking light).

There has been a series of losses along the bottom edge, now filled and retouched and associated with the wax on the reverse. The filling has since cracked and is flaking (see images). The losses are located just above the frame sight in the centre, centre right, and further retouched losses below the signature and to the right edge just above the signature. There are some minor drying cracks in the white cloud, and very minor micro-flaking in the dark of the dead bird's tail.

There is some old ingrained varnish, and some light abrasion to the surface layers along the top edge with some small unretouched losses to the top right corner and around the sight.

A good even surface gloss, with scattered flyspotting and accretions and a light layer of surface dirt.

Examined in frame

We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.