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 CONDITION REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED BY HAMISH DEWAR FINE ART CONSERVATION, AN INDEPENDANT CONSERVATOR, IN THE CHRISTIE'S WAREHOUSE FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS SALE.
UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE
Structural condition
The canvas is unlined and is attached to the original keyed wooden stretcher and appears to
be structurally sound and secure. The canvas is inscribed on the reverse and there is a
horizontal patch in the lower left quadrant as seen from the reverse. There is an overall pattern
of drying craquelure which is most evident in the sky and is stable. There are also vertical
stretcher-bar lines which are almost inevitable for an unlined canvas of this period and it is
obviously encouraging to find the canvas in it's original unlined state.
Paint surface
The paint surface has an even varnish layer.
Inspection under ultraviolet light shows small scattered retouchings across the paint surface
with some fine lines covering craquelure. There is also a horizontal line of retouching on the
ship's sail which is approximately 7 cm in length and corresponds to the patch on the reverse.
There are other scattered retouchings and there may be further retouchings which I could not
identify under ultraviolet light. Many of these retouchings appear to be larger than is really
necessary and could be reduced with more minimal inpainting.
Summary
The painting would therefore appear to be in good and stable condition and no further work is
required for reasons of conservation.
Print Report