British School (19th Century) The quieting of a revolt during...

British School (19th Century) The quieting of a revolt during the Napoleonic wars Oil on canvas, 93.5cm by 168cm

A mid-20th century lining and associated stretcher. One key missing and fairly slack. Heavily pressed impasto, likely caused by lining. There are several distortions to the canvas: three blows from the reverse top righthand side of the sky at top and a bulge to the top centre, and four approx. 3-inch wide dents in a line across the painting from one above the head of the lead villager in red, and to the right of the soldier's head (see images). There is widespread brittle age craquelure running mostly vertically in long lines (see raking light image). Only slighly raised and no history of flaking. The canvas is not held in frame tightly, and there has been some surface abrasion at the edges with a bigger loss of paint and ground in the top left corner behind the rebate. Fresher unrestored losses including two to the right hand side, a small scratch to the hair of the soldier, and in the bottom right corner. Tiny scattered minor losses to the sky. A group of losses on the left in the faces include two larger losses with have punctures through the canvas and a white scratch approx. 10cm in lenght above (see images). There has been abrasion to the dark, delicated glazes throughout, for example in the little boy in red, the cloak of the girl in yellow and in the villagers. There is abrasion to the sky and tree brances, with associated retoucheing. leading to a mottled appearance. There is a fairly even varnish, and a light layer of surface dirt and debris. Examined in frame, not examined in UV. 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.