German School, mid-19th century Portrait of a young lady, three-quarter length, in a blue dress, pausing from sketching a study of leaves oil on canvas 73 x 63cm Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been glue paste lined. The reverse of the canvas is covered with extensive mould, probably due to the glue paste adhesive and being stored in damp conditions. The cut edge of the original canvas is visible at the lower left edge. The paint layer is stable overall. There is a network of drying cracks in the dress and background which have formed as the paint layers dried. There is overpaint present in a few small areas of damage in the sky and in the sitter’s chin; these have slightly darkened over time. The varnish is uneven, matte and yellowed. Where the varnish has imbibed dirt it gives the painting a grubby appearance overall. The frame is in a good condition.