Gustave Courbet and Cherubino Pata

A.G. Solomon, Buenos Aires
Albert Otten
Galerie Thanner, Zurich
Sale: Parke-Bernet, New York, 10 December 1947
Seward Johnson, USA (by 1973)

London, Arthur Tooth & Sons Ltd., From Courbet to Braque, 1964, no. 11

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Structural Condition The canvas is lined onto a wooden keyed stretcher. This is ensuring an even and secure support. The turnover and tacking edges would appear to have been extended from a smaller sight size at some stage and the lining has successfully achieved overall structural stability. Paint surface The paint surface has a very discoloured varnish layer and cleaning would undoubtedly result in a considerable colour change and a transformation in the overall appearance. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows a number of old retouchings, many of which are also visible in natural light. These retouchings could be removed during the cleaning process and I would be confident that many would be found to be excessive and that, after cleaning, the total amount of retouching could be considerably reduced. The most significant retouchings are on the upper horizontal and right vertical framing edges, where bands of retouching, approximately 2 cm wide, cover what I assume is the earlier smaller turnover edge. There are other scattered retouchings. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in reasonably good and stable condition and should respond very well to cleaning, restoration and revarnishing.
"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."