The canvas appears to have been striplined at the top edge, which is torn and split at the tacking margins at the reverse. The other original tacking margins are present, but slightly damaged. There is one key missing on the stretcher, and fairly slack tension to the canvas. There is wax applied to the back of the canvas at the top right corner.

There is a line of old restoration at the top edge, plus an approx. 2 inch old split to the canvas centre top and there is slight cockling to the canvas in places associated with the split (see images). There is a slight undulation in the top right corner, and slight stretcher bar marks with the right one most prominent. There is minor drying craquelure in isolated areas. There has been some minor flaking in the past in the pale paint to the left of the lantern - this has been consolidated (see wax on reverse), and retouched. There are futher minor passages of gritty dark brown overpaint along the top edge, at each side associated with losses by the frame rebate, and in the top right corner. There are scattered minor retouched losses, for example a circular loss half way between the horse's nose and the back of the goat, to the bottom edge, and to the pillar holding the harness, and tiny flaked unretouched losses to the cheek of the farmer and to the pail at the left.

There has been some minor wear/opening of the drying cracks in places, particularly to the horse and to the wall below the lantern. There has been retouching to this abrasion between the horse's front legs, along the curve of the back, and the harness, as well as small scattered brushstrokes in the floor.

There is a thick old varnish layer, and a substantial layer of surface dirt, dust and cobwebs.

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.