Antique French oil painting study of Joseph and Mary on the flight to Egypt

Antique French oil painting study of Joseph and Mary on the flight to Egypt. French School, circa 1750-1800. Oil on canvas. Elaborate gilt gesso frame (distressed). Depicts travellers (Joseph and Mary) on the road fleeing to Egypt. Size of frame: 18.25 x 16 inches; Size of canvas: 13 x 10.75 inches; Size of front painting aperture: 12.5 x 10.5 inches. Weight: 1.7 kg (allow 6 kg volumetric weight once packed). Condition commensurate with age - various superficial marks & scratches, craquelure, lots of knocks to and pieces missing from gesso frame and the canvas has been relined onto new canvas backing at some point in its life but all part of its charm and character. Priced accordingly. Best described as shabby chic or faded grandeur. This painting is quite sombre and melancholy and, although photographed in daylight, please understand that it is quite dark in reality. This item is obviously delicate and the gesso frame fragile. Therefore, whilst every care will be taken to pack this item extremely well, I cannot guarantee that some pieces of plaster will not become fragmented and dislodged. Please understand this before committing to buy and it will need to be understood that the buyer accepts this risk if having the item delivered by courier. No refunds will be available for this reason nor can the item be returned.