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,
IN THE CHRISTIE'S WAREHOUSE FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS SALE.

Structural Condition
The canvas has been lined and this is providing a generally sound and secure structural
support. There is one small crease in the canvas in the lower left corner and faint stretcher bar
and craquelure lines, all of which are entirely stable. The overall structural condition is good.

Paint Surface
The paint surface has an even varnish layer with the exception of some areas of discolouration
in the upper right of the sky which correspond to areas of retouching. These could hopefully
be removed with localised cleaning and retouching. There is evidence of some wear to the
details of the ship's rigging.
Inspection under ultraviolet light shows a number of retouchings in the sky, including
retouchings along the upper horizontal framing edge and a large area in the lower left of the
sky. There are also retouchings on the sails of the ship in the centre of the composition and
quite large retouchings within the darker shadows of the sea in the lower left corner. There are
other scattered retouchings and there may be further retouchings which I could not identify
under ultraviolet light.

Summary
The painting would therefore appear to be in stable condition but the extent of retouchings
applied in the past should be noted. It may well be that many of these retouchings are larger
than is really necessary and could be reduced with more minimal inpainting.