The canvas has splits at corners on the tacking margins at the back of the picture, and at the joints of the stretcher. One key is missing and there is a section of wood missing to the stretcher in bottom left corner. However, the painting has fairly good tension.

There is old brittle age craquelure throughout, all currently stable and not elevated, and minor drying cracks around horses' hooves. There are scattered minor retouched and unretouched losses, largely to edges, and slightly pressed impasto. There are three slightly matt scratches above the wagon and a approx 7cm scuff through the red scarf of the lead horseman.

There is fairly extensive abrasion to the mid-tones and darks of the painting, particularly to the top right sky, above and left of wagon, the snowbank behind the horses, and to the horses. This has had a campaign of retouching, much of which is visible with the naked eye including opaque white brushstrokes to the central dark horse.

There are patches of old yellowed varnish left over darker areas and the signature.

There is a newer even glossy varnish layer, not appreciably discoloured. Currently stable but with wear and extensive retouching.

Examined in frame.

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.