Prague School, circa 1600

Private collects ion, Würzburg.

The picture is richer in colour and less acidic in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been lined and the paint surface appears to be in fair overall condition. There is some frame abrasion visible around the canvas edges. There is also evidence of several old repaired tears, and associated areas of damage in the upper left as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. The first runs horizontally through the upraised hammer to the canvas edge before running partially down the stretcher bar, the second runs horizontally from the top of the back turned figure's head to the background parallel to the hammer wielding figure's elbow. The third and fourth run parallel to one another from above the central forge, through the shoulders of the back turned figure to the canvas edge. There are also two vertical restored creases running the length of the canvas where ti has been folded. There is a further vertical surface scratch, centre right, running through the amorous couple in the background which measures approx. 28 in. Otherwise there is evidence of a discoloured varnish and localised pockets of surface dirt overall. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the presence of the milky varnish which makes inspection difficult however there is evidence of several campaigns of retouching concentrated in the darker tones of the foreground, and to the aforementioned areas of damage. Ultraviolet alos reveals some further minor areas of restored damage. Firstly there is a minor surface scratch measuring approx. 6 in. running parallel to the back turned figure's left hand. Secondly there is retouching to an old area of damage, measuring approx 4 in. diameter beneath the leg of the amorous background woman. Also parallel to this is an area of retouching measuring approx. 2 in. centre right in the reclining woman's forehead and finally there is old retouching to the collar bone of the aforementioned hammer wielding figure. offered in a partially painted gold wood frame in good condition.
"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 stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes '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."

An attribution to Mattäus Gundelach was suggested by Friedrich Ehrengruber in 1978 and again by Professor Dietrich Herzog the following year, and photocopies of their certificates are available.