Attributed to Louis Tessier

Frederick David Sassoon (1853-1917);

By descent to his daughter Mrs. Paul Wallraf,  formerly Muriel Ezra, first wife of Alfred Ezra OBE  of Foxwarren Park, Cobham, Surrey;
By descent to Mrs. Raymond Sawyer, née Ruth Ezra,  of Chestnut Lodge, Cobham, Surrey.

The picture is lighter in tone and brighter in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been relined and the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent extant damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye except for one very minor paint loss lower right. Under a raking light there appears to be several scattered areas of retouching, most concentrated in the centre right and upper left, as well as a discoloured varnish overall. Examination under ultraviolet light confirms both the presence of the varnish and the aforementioned retouching to old areas of apparent damage. The damage to the centre right appears to be an old repaired vertical tear measuring approx 18 cm., and the retouching to the upper left measures approx. 5 cm. There are other less concentrated scattered areas of old retouching, i.e. above the marmoset's head, directly beneath the rosebuds, and around the canvas edges. Offered in an ornate carved gilt wood frame with scattered losses.
"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."