Le Bazar

The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CONDITION REPORT WAS PREPARED BY HAMISH DEWAR, AN
INDEPENDENT PAINTINGS CONSERVATOR UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Structural Condition

The canvas is unlined and is securely attached to a keyed wooden stretcher with one central
horizontal cross member. This is ensuring a stable structural support. The canvas is slack and
would benefit from retensioning.

Paint Surface

The paint surface has a relatively even varnish layer.
There are numerous intermittent lines of paint loss at the extreme edges and some further
lines of loss within the main body of the composition, most notably a vertical line towards the
upper left corner and a small vertical line within a passage of green paint in the centre left.
Slight stretcher bar impressions correspond to the central horizontal cross member.
The paint surface displays a few scattered fine lines of slightly raised craquelure, including
within the central figure's clothing. These are stable and are not visually obtrusive. There is
also a network of drying craquelure within the red painted fabric in the upper centre right.
This is entirely stable and is attributable to the natural drying processes of the artist's materials.
Inspection under ultraviolet light shows a discoloured streaky varnish layer which prevents the
ultraviolet light from fully penetrating. Inspection under ultraviolet light also reveals a number
of retouchings which are on top of the discoloured varnish layers, including several retouchings
towards the upper left corner, a few retouchings at the centre of the right edge, three tiny
spots of retouching within the hanging goods in the upper right quadrant, and a few small
retouchings in the upper centre of the composition. Many of these retouchings appear
excessive and are also visible in natural light.

Summary

The painting would therefore appear to be in relatively good condition and would benefit from
cleaning, restoration and revarnishing, including the infilling and retouching of any paint
losses.