Henri Gascars

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 15th July 1998, lot 19 (bt. for £9,000 by the present owner)

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There is some very minor flaking in the centre of the painting, in two areas in the sitters chest, as well as a small area of minor old retouching. There is also a small area of old, discoloured retouching in the upper left. There is a slightly discoloured and dirty varnish overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered crude retouching to old cracks in the paint surface, particularly to on long crack in the lower right, to one circular crack in the lower left, and to cracks in the background in the upper section of the picture. There are also older scattered general retouchings. FRAME Held in a gilded 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."