George Smith

Sotheby's, 14 June 2001, lot 28

STRUCTURE The panel is sound. There is a surface abrasion running horizontally across the reverse of the panel, which does not affect the overall structure. There are two or three minor areas of craquelure about some of the central figures, for example to the seated baby, only visible upon close inspection; otherwise the work appears in very good overall condition. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT UV light reveals an opaque varnish which makes the surface difficult to read conclusively. There appears to be some faint retouching on the left hand side of the beam running below the upper edge. There also appears to be some cosmetic retouching to the left hand woman's face, right wrist and below her left elbow. There are also minor areas of retouching to the standing girl's head and neck, to the baby's face and garments, to the seated right hand girl's face and a thin line to the garment hanging behind her. There is a small possible additional spot of retouching to the right of the spinning wheel. FRAME Held in a gilt plaster frame. Please contact the department on 0207 293 5718 if you have any questions about the present work.
"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."