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.

UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Structural condition
The artist's board has an even profile and is structurally sound. There is some wear around the
outer edges and in the corners, where the fibre of the board has been disturbed. This is
almost inevitable on a board of this type. There are also areas of slightly raised and brittle
craquelure, particularly in the darker pigments of the sitter's hair, which would benefit from
localised consolidation.
Paint surface
The paint surface has a rather uneven and opaque varnish layer and would benefit from surface
cleaning and revarnishing to ensure a more even surface coating. This would also give the
paint surface more depth and resonance. The areas of slightly raised craquelure would need
to be consolidated prior to cleaning.
Inspection under ultraviolet light shows a number of retouchings within the dark pigments of
the sitter's hair and costume and further retouchings in the background, and in particular in the
upper right of the background. There would appear to be only the most minimal spots on the
sitter's face. The retouchings that have been applied are undoubtedly excessive, and larger
than is really required. If they were to be removed during the cleaning process they could be
replaced with more minimal and careful inpainting where found to be necessary.
Summary
The painting therefore does have some condition issues but should respond well to localised
consolidation, cleaning, restoration and revarnishing.