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 canvas is unlined with a canvas-maker's stamp on the reverse. There is an overall pattern of drying craquelure, and central vertical stretcher-bar lines, and some of the lines of craquelure are raised and rather brittle. This brittle craquelure could be locally consolidated but the canvas has probably reached the stage where it needs to be lined to ensure long-term structural stability.

Paint surface

The paint surface has a rather uneven and glossy varnish layer and inspection under ultraviolet light shows the great majority of the sky to fluoresce in a manner consistent with retouching. It would appear a layer of retouching has been applied over the sky. It would be possible to test these areas to be sure as to whether or not the sky has been extensively over painted. There are also far smaller areas in the lower left and lower right corners which fluoresce clearly as retouchings.

Summary
The painting is therefore in rather fragile condition and the extent of apparent retouchings should certainly be noted.