Lot 118: JAN DE BRAY | A violin player accompanying two young singers

oil on canvas

111.8 by 99.1 cm.; 44 by 39 in.

oil on canvas

The catalogue and cover illustrations are poor and unrepresentative; the colours are richer and stronger than suggested and much less blue-red in tone. The canvas has an old relining which is still reasonably sound. The canvas has been cleaned and restored in the past. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals quite extensive careful restoration to much of the figures, presumably to disguise old areas of wear. These include all the faces, especially those of the children, the hair, notably that of the man, the head of the dog, the instruments and much of the man's slashed red doublet. There are some old but minor repaired damages in the background, for example one of 2 cms upper right and another slightly larger to the right of the children, but these are barely visible. The restoration is quite well carried out and is not discoloured or obtrusive to the naked eye. The varnish is clear and even. This lot is offered in a later gilt wood frame with oak leaf and ribbon twist mouldings, in reasonable overall condition, some minor chips and losses.
"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."

Purchased by the father of the present owners from Frost and Reed Gallery, London, circa 1969.