ENGLISH SCHOOL, CIRCA 1690 | Portrait of a boy wearing brown Roman robes, half-length, with a white lace jabot

ENGLISH SCHOOL, CIRCA 1690
Portrait of a boy wearing brown Roman robes, half-length, with a white lace jabot

oil on canvas, in a painted oval
76.5 by 63.5cm.; 30 by 25in.

Condition Report:
The canvas is lined, the paint surface is dirty and the varnish is discoloured and uneven, with drips visible to the naked eye which have appeared to remove parts of the varnish. There is a 1cm. loss in the child’s chest just below his cravat, and a handful of other small losses around this in his shoulder, and the base of the feigned oval. A concentrated area of restoration 2 x 2cm. is visible to the naked eye among a network of lines of restoration in the boy’s torso just above the centre of the oval, and other small restorations are visible in his arm, and to the left of this. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals the milky varnish, and some spot retouchings scattered through the sitter’s face, including in both his eyes, around his chin and in his cravat and shoulder tassel. There also appears to be some strengthening in his hair around his face. The feigned oval fluoresces opaquely but the background around the form of the sitter appears dark, possibly due to strengthening. In overall moderate condition.

"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."