Manner of Antoine Berjon, Possibly circa 1900

Oscar and Maria Salzer, Los Angeles;
By whom given to the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and Science,1983 (Acc. FMM 82.14).

Los Angeles, Fisher Gallery, University of Southern California; Seattle, WA, Seattle Art Museum; Honolulu, HI, Honolulu Academy of Art; Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Reality and Deception, 16 October 1974 – 20 April 1975, cat. no. 8, reproduced (as by Antoine Berjon).

Portraits of Objects, Oscar and Maria Salzer Collection of Still Life and Trompe-L'Oeil Paintings, Fresno 1984, cat. no. 3, reproduced (as by Antoine Berjon).

This canvas has been relined, and duct tape affixed to all four edges of the relining canvas. A small crease is visible in the bottom left corner; however, it does not distract from the overall appearance of the image. Additionally, two small, filled losses are slightly noticeable to the right in the stone ledge, and a small scratch in the orange shell to the left is visible to the naked eye and in the image in the catalogue. Overall, these minor issues do not detract from what is a very strong image, with excellent retention of the paint surface and strong coloration and detail in the shells. A milky, streaky and uneven varnish presents itself under ultraviolet light. Although this varnish makes it difficult to read what is happening to the paint surface, there do not appear to be any significant retouches. This painting could be hung as is; however, it would respond well if the present varnish were removed and a more even one applied in its place. The work has a simple wooden frame with a lightly carved, gilt inner rim. The frame has numerous small nicks and abrassions throughout.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.