Circle of David Ryckaert III (Flemish, 1612-1661) The Alchemist oil on canvas 48 x 53cm Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been lined. The paint layer is in a stable condition overall. There appears to be two campaigns of overpaint. Near the centre of the painting is an old damage which has been repaired and retouched, this area appears warm in tone and glossy. Other areas of overpaint are more delicately applied in a brushy manner in the darker background of the painting and shadows. The older overpaint lies below the varnish layer and the extent of this is difficult to determine. The varnish is degraded, dull and yellowed, it no longer adequately saturates the paint layers below. There is a layer of dust across the work and frame.