Léopold Schmutzler

Sale: Sotheby's, London, 11 June 1997, lot 121
Purchased at the above sale by the father of the present owner

Düsseldorf, Kunstpalast, no. 128

Original canvas. There is a network of fine craquelure, and faint vertical and horizontal stretcher marks in the centre. There is light surface dirt and the varnish has discoloured with age, and the work would benefit from a surface clean. There are some strokes of retouching visible under ultraviolet light in the dancer's left arm below her elbow, a spot above her nose and in her hair, and areas in the background, notably a circa 12 by 5cm area in the centre left to a small repaired puncture, a smaller area to the upper right of this, an area to the right of her shawl, and a 7 by 4cm area to the upper right of this. A thick varnish makes the surface difficult to read under U.V. light, and there may be some further retouching in the background addressing craquelure. Held in a decorative Louis XV-style gold-painted frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."