RALPH TODD (BRITISH, 1856-1932) DAY'S END. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated lower left, 1885. With a nameplate beneath Canvas: 25'' x 20.5'' Frame: 33.5'' x 28.5''

This piece has some light grime build up, there is some slightly streaking grime on the right side of the canvas (visible coupon close inspection). Under black light there is a heavy vanish layer to the surface. It is possible the white highlights in the apron have some overpainting, this surface might just have more recently cleaning. Below the corner of the apron is an approximately 2" x 1" area of darker paint that stands out form the rest of the dress, this might be overpainting or intentional shadow by the artist (not as delicate strokes as the rest). There is a light stable craquelure in the lighter tone areas such as the flesh table and apron. There is some more craquelure to the areas to the left of the figure and in the table cloth and darker pigment above. This paint has possibly been heated to stabilize this crackle. Under black light there is overpainting on the tip of the shoe, a few areas in the shadows on the right side and a section near the upper left corner. This upper corner appears to be a patched puncture hole with over painting, total area about 2" in diameter. This overpainting is visible to the naked eye in grazing light. The lips of the figure also have overprinting. There is a .25" scratch to the surface of the pairing to the left of the signature with pigment loss. There is some faint pigment loss on the edge where the frame is rubbing the surface. This painting shows very well.