Old Masters and 19th Century Art

Framed: 51 x 41 x 2 in.
The relined canvas in overall good condition. With light craquelure, mostly visible in the darker areas of the composition, particularly at upper center. With evidence of blemish/rubbing in the upper right quadrant of the canvas. Examination under UV light reveals a thick layer of greenish varnish throughout, which complicates our assessment. Still, we are able to identify clear, relatively minor, and localized areas of inpainting. In the background, we can identify an entire unpainted leaf at upper right quadrant, with a circular repair (about 2 x 3 in.) nearby in the foliage. Minor retouching in the bottom right corner, as well as at center left, to the left of Pandora stretching along the left outer edge of the canvas. In the composition itself, we notice a repair at the front of the pedestal at bottom right (extending onto the figure's foot), as well as on the statuette's thighs. Nearby, pinpoint and localized dots of inpainting are visible on Prometheus' left proper ulna, thigh and side as well as on the cloth in between his legs and hanging from his raised arm. With very light and feathery inpainting in his hair, outlining the curls. Similar pattern visible on the outline of Mercury's helmet (the wing), chin and eyes. As for Pandora, very minor inpainting (likely old flakes) visible on the bridge of her nose, her lower chin , parts of her fingers, bicep and thigh as well as on the hand of Prometheus touching her. Additional images accessible upon request.

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