Follower of Benjamin von Block

Portrait of Emperor Leopold I (1640-1705) standing full length in armour, his hand on the Imperial orb and a crown beyond
oil on canvas, unframed
202 x 113cm

Condition Report

The paint layer has a history of loss and flaking evident in the surface. There are numerous areas which are currently in a vulnerable condition with raised areas of flaking and scattered losses. Historic losses are evident across the surface which have been secured by lining. The lining process appears to have used excessive heat with stabilise the paint layer, which has been slightly softened. In some areas, impasto appears smooth. There is extensive overpaint present across the surface, and probably more than one campaign. Some of the overpaint is applied with a broad brush, for example large areas of the armour and the orb held by the sitter. It is unclear if the overpaint covers original paint, or covering extensive losses. Despite the damage, the sitters face appears in reasonably good condition, without the extensive overpaint seen elsewhere. The varnish is dull and uneven with glossy patches across the surface. In the lower half of the picture there are splashes of house paint and other accretions.