Frame size: 54cm by 47.5cm

The panel is one single board, with a horizontal batten in the middle of the back, minor old knocks to all sides, and canvas stuck to the back of the panel. There are no splits visible, and the panel is held flat in the frame.

There is a fine brittle age craquelure throughout, all stable with no elevation or history of flaking. In passages the cracks are wider, and these have been suppressed in a campaign of retouching, slightly discoloured (see images). The cracks are most evident in raking light and a higher concentration through the table top and plate. Small scattered retouchings to suppress the cracks in the background, and small retouched losses to the right of the righthand glass, further retouched losses in the left hand glass, and above this near the top edge. A small newer unretouched loss to the left of the lefthand glass. There is a diagonal line of retouching running towards the top left corner from the top of the vineleaf, a retouched loss to the end of the vineleafe above the grapes and further small scattered minor retouched losses. Some retouching to cracks in strawberrys, lemon, and a small filling and retouching to the right end of the cherry stem. There is a larger brown retouching above the oyster.

Possibly some minor losses to the delicate glazes, but mostly intact.

There is what appears to be a retouched or removed? signature or inscription above the butterfly on the left. Visible clearly in UV (see images) and as a pale milky patch in normal light. Wipe marks in the varnish bottom left and right. An old varnish layer, slighly opaque in places.

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.