John Latham

Acquired from the artist in the 1950s by Alistair Gordon, Marquess of Aberdeen and thence by descent to the present owner

The canvas is unlined. The canvas is intentionally thin but is in good overall condition. The paint surface is in good overall condition. Examination under ultra-violet light reveals a small spot of fluorescence from the thicker paint in the lower left quadrant. This appears to be the artist's reworking of the paint. Held in a simple wooden 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."

Throughout the 1950s, Latham experimented widely with different techniques. In the present work, Latham has applied paint to the reverse and squeezed it through the thin weave of the heavy sacking canvas (fig.1).