Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Galerie Durand-Ruel, Paris
Barthélémy
Galerie Bernheim-Jeune, Paris (acquired from the above on 7th January 1903)
Private Collection
Blanche Fabry Tézé, Inc., New York
Acquired from the above by the late owners on 27th February 1984

The canvas is lined. There is a tack hole to the top right corner. There is a thick uneven varnish through which the UV light cannot fully penetrate. There appear to be lines of retouching running along the top edge, a small spot to the centre of the right edge and a tiny line in the centre of the left edge, visible under UV light. This work appears to be in good condition. Colours: Overall fairly accurate although deeper and stronger in the original.
"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."

Larry and Leah Superstein

An Appreciation by Blake Koh

A number of our colleagues at Sotheby's have had the pleasure to know and experience the kindness and hospitality of the Superstein family. Their spectacular home in Beverly Hills was always open for wonderful lunches and dinners and to any of us who wished to see their great art collection. In recent years, it was Leah in particular with whom we were able to spend time. She was a regular at Lisa Hubbard's jewelry lunches at Sotheby's in Beverly Hills. When August Uribe and I moved from New York to direct Sotheby's Fine Art department on the West Coast, Leah hosted welcome dinners and evenings at her beloved Los Angeles Opera House.

As collectors, Leah and Larry had wide-ranging interests, acquiring wonderful pieces in a broad range of collecting areas. From fascinating Inuit sculptures by the native artists of Northwest Canada, to the superb modern works by Picasso, Vlaminck and Rouault, they bought with great taste and discernment. Leah was particularly proud of the imposing sculpture by Rodin Iris, Messenger of the Gods, which greeted visitors to the home soon after they stepped in the door. After dinner at her favorite Italian restaurant in Westwood, she would drive guests back to her house for coffee in this sitting room. Leah probably spent as much time in this room as any other, where the Jawlensky, Picasso, Rouault and Van Dongen hung like members of her extended family.

Larry and Leah were formidable in their philanthropy, supporting many causes in Canada, Israel and the United States.They were extremely generous to visual and performing arts institutions in Los Angeles, especially to the various companies at the LA Music Center and the Los Angeles High School for the Arts. It was a great privilege for Sotheby's to serve the Supersteins as clients. We also hope that they might have considered us to be friends.

Further works from this collection are being offered on 19th June in the Impressionist and Modern Art Evening sale and on 20th June in the Works on Paper sale.