Hermann Max Pechstein

Galerie Gurlitt, Berlin (acquired in 1923)
Micha Schocken, Tel Aviv (acquired in 1975)
Sale: Sotheby's, London, December 3, 1975, lot 52
Valmont Collection (acquired at the above sale)
Galerie Lambert Monet/Galerie Saqqarah, Switzerland
Mrs. Georges Bianchi-Marci, Gstaad (acquired in 1981)
Gifted from the above in 1981

Dresden, Blumenstilleben, 1917, no. 99

Richard Stiller, "Ausstellung der Künstlervereinigung Dresden 1917," in Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration, Dresden, 1917, no. S.271

Canvas is unlined. Some very minor frame rubbing visible along the extreme top and left edges. Surface is clean. There is a one centimeter tear approximately four inches below center of top edge which is visible on the reverse of the canvas. Under UV light there are some scattered strokes of retouching along the upper edge and in the background at the top of the composition especially around the aforementioned tear. There are also a few smaller strokes within the bouquet including the two flowers at far left. There are also two vertical lines of inpainting near the lower right corner as well as roughly four small spots in the tray near the bottom. There are two or three spots in the bottom portion of the composition. Overall this work is 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.
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.

Fig.1 A photograph of Max Pechstein from a series called Fischerleben (Lives of Fishermen). Taken on the Polish coast circa 1920, the photographs are related to a series of paintings of the same name.