Karel Breydel

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 29 May 1981, lot 126;
Anonymous sale, Vienna, Dorotheum, 7 October 1998, lot 23;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 24 April 2001, lot 218;
Anonymous sale, Vienna, Dorotheum, 2 October 2002, lot 439.

The actual painting is more subdued and less red in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The single panel is flat and stable and bevelled on the right and left sides. The paint surface is under a dirty varnish. Some discoloured retouchings can be made out in the sky, in the lower centre and in the lower right and there's a retouched paint loss in the lower centre. The background has grown a little thin. Inspection under UV light reveals some additional scattered retouchings which are more frequent in the sky. Offered in a decorative gilt wood and plaster frame in good 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."