Old reline, cleaned and revarnished. There is a relatively small amount of retouching and general strengthening to the gentleman’s face including his eyebrows, the shadowing and definition of the upper and inner part of his right eye, lower lid of left eye and a fair degree of the left hand side of his face. Further generally less consistent strengthening to shadows and definitions in the lower part of his face below his nose and in and around the lips chin and neck area. There is a larger patch of overpainting and restoration above his right shoulder and in the hair, which is essentially circular and approx. 5cm in diameter, with a further small irregular patch below and right of this area of retouching. Probably some general strengthening throughout background and darker areas of clothing – probably of a different date. Paint thin in places, particularly within the background and the surface is slightly flattened from the restoration process. Isolated areas of medium sized stable craquelure. Patch repair to reverse of canvas upper right quarter (which associates to retouching and overpainting described as above shoulder). Feint inscription of sitter and date 1690? and signature within background towards lower right. Slight stretcher shadow.

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.