The Plague in the Reign of King David, Guy-Louis Vernansal

Sold by the Art Institute of Chicago
Guy-Louis Vernansal
Paris 1648 - 1729
The Plague in the Reign of King David

oil on canvas
canvas: 101 ⅜ by 127 ¼ in.; 257.5 by 323.2 cm.
framed: 117 3/8 by 143 1/4 in.; 298.1 by 363.9 cm.

Condition Report:
The canvas consists of 3 pieces joined vertically and is lined and stable on its stretcher. The image reads well beneath the varnish with bold colors and shadows retained. The canvas seams are barely visible to the naked eye and not distracting. No repairs are obvious to the naked eye when the painting is viewed as a whole, but on close looking, some repairs are visible as differences in texture and some retouching has slightly discolored in scattered areas which is to be expected and it is not distracting. Under UV inspection, repairs and retouching are scattered throughout: a horizontal repaired tear at the shoulder of the leftmost figure measures about 8 inches, there are scattered repairs along the bottom edge, spots of retouching in the shadows of the figures’ costumes, and a repair above the skull held by the angel, among others. Given the size of this work, this level of retouching is relatively minimal and is to be expected and not a concern. Due to the size, we recommend contacting a trusted restorer if you wish to undertake any work on this painting, though it can certainly also hang in its present state. Offered in a decoratively carved giltwood frame.