Example with the gentleman, relined, cleaned, and revarnished. Now with general surface dirt and discoloured varnish in evidence. Canvas slightly slipped in frame revealing top edge. Slight rubbing marks to the edges, widely spaced stable cracquelure throughout canvas although more notable towards the top half. Paint surface has lost some texture and definition owing to the restoration process. Small wax repair visible to verso, see images. Fairly consistent strengthening throughout the background. Approx four patches of retouching of varying sizes across the forehead. Retouching and strengthening around his left eye and along the outline of his nose on his left-hand side in addition to a further area of vertical restoration which runs from the lower quarter of his nose (his left-hand side down to and incorporating his top lip and no more than 0.4cm wide and approx 2cm in length). Further small damage with retouching at the left of the cravat no more than 2cm by 2cm, a further small horizontal area of retouching at the intersection of shirt and cravat, likely repair to damage running horizontally through the waistcoat just above top button to the lower edge of the canvas, approx 10cm in length by 0.5cm width. Further minor sporadic retouches in the jacket. Example with the lady, various patch repair to reverse, see images to include lower left-hand corner (2) lower edge centre, right-hand side centre and centre. Relined, cleaned and revarnished. Now covered in a layer of dirt and discoloured varnish, areas of relatively isolated cracquelure, general minor rubbing to edges, approximately four small nicks to surface towards upper right hand corner. Retouching to edges in general, more pronounced in parts but not overly significant. Retouching/restoration, right-hand side of lips and extending down across chin approx 2cm by 1cm overall. Some relatively sporadic retouching and strengthening to the darker definition of her curls. Retouching along the right-hand side of her neck and outline. Retouching and overpainting at top side of her left sleeve, through her arm and more consistently to emphasise the shadow at her inside upper arm, a further patch of circulr retouching at wrist level within the dark area of the arm of the chair and approximately 1-1.5cm diameter. Retouching and strengthening broadly across the outside and inside of her right arm, approx 1-2cm at the widest point and also at her right elbow within background approx 4cm in length. Further common worthy patch of retouching within background left of her head towards right-hand corner etc. The paint is a little thin in places and flattened as part of the restoration process.

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.