The Mushroom Gatherers

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.

This report was prepared by Hamish Dewar Fine Art Conservation in the Christie's warehouse for the purpose of this sale.

UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Structural Condition
The canvas would appear to have been lined and the original loose unattached dust canvas
has been added to the reverse and covers the lining canvas. The lining is ensuring a sound
structural support and has successfully secured the pattern of fine lines of drying craquelure
which are most evident in the water and paler pigments of the sky. The craquelure is not
visually distracting and is as a result of the natural drying processes of the artist's materials.

Paint surface
The paint surface has a reasonably even varnish layer.
Inspection under ultraviolet light shows a number of very small spots and thin lines in the sky,
one very small spot in the sea and only the most minimal retouchings in the landscape and
figures.
The varnish layers are quite opaque under ultraviolet light which suggests that cleaning and
revarnishing would be beneficial.
There may be further retouchings that I could not identify under ultraviolet light beneath the
opaque varnish layers but I could find no evidence of this.

Summary
The painting would therefore appear to be in good and stable condition and while no further
work is required for reasons of conservation, cleaning should be beneficial.