AFTER GABRIEL METSU | Portrait of a huntsman in a red jacket at a window, raising his wine glass, a hunting horn and pigeon on the window sill before him

AFTER GABRIEL METSU
Portrait of a huntsman in a red jacket at a window, raising his wine glass, a hunting horn and pigeon on the window sill before him

oil on panel
28 by 23cm.; 11 by 9in.

Condition Report:
The panel is uncradled, flat and stable. The paint surface is slightly dirty with a discoloured varnish. There is evidence of bitumenisation in some of the darker pigments, notably in the man's hair and in the background around this. A distinctive network of craquelure has also developed in some areas, for example in his sleeves and most notably in his face, where discoloured retouching is visible. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms the aforementioned retouchings and reveals an uneven varnish, which fluoresces opaquely, as well as a few retouchings: scattered along the margins; in the neck of the pigeon; in his proper left shoulder; and a few small spots in the background.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."