Walter Spies 1895-1942

Collection of Prof. Dr. C. Tj. Bertling, Bloemendaal, acquired directly from the artist thence by descent to the present owner
Private Collection, Singapore 

The Hague, Walter Spies, Het Haags Gemeentemuseum, The Netherlands, 2 July-16 August 1964

Hans Rhodius, Schönheit Und Reichtum Des Lebens, Walter Spies, L.J.C Boucher, 1964, Den Haag, page 211 (detail), page 518, monochrome
Hans Rhodius and John Darling, Walter Spies and Balinese Art, Tropical Museum, Amsterdam, Zutphen, 1980, page 22, monochrome

The painting and canvas are in good condition. The canvas is clear with no tearing or repair detected. Examination with ultraviolet light reveals some scattered spots of minor retouching, as is typical from a painting of this age. There are some minute spots on the mountainscape background, as well as a few very small white flecks scattered on the lower register (on the surface of the painting), as seen in catalogue illustration. There is an indication of uneven varnish in the middle of the right register. Examination with ultraviolet light reveals only slight general retouching to the background and a few spots on the main figure (rim of hat, interior of hat, forehead/cheeks, middle, hand carrying the rake), the baby carried by the second figure from the left, the figure on the far right (hairline). Restoration is only apparent after study under UV light. Aside from minor abrasion marks on the upper right corner, lower left and lower right, the paint layers are intact and in stable condition.
"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."