Jakob Bogdány

Col. Spencer, DSO, OBE (according to Witt library mount);
With Leger Galleries, London, August 1968 (according to a label on the reverse).

The catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has been relined. The signed paint surface is a little sunken and dirty, but the colours and details of the painting are well-preserved. The work is under a fairly glossy varnish. There is an old restored knock to the background lower left, measuring 2 by 3 cm. and lower right, measuring 4 by 2 cm. The varnish covering the work does impede the inspection under UV light, but retouchings to the background around the flowers and to the ledge do fluoresce. The signature is strengthened along the bottom edge, and there are some strengthenings to the vase. Scattered spot retouchings also fluoresce in the flower arrangement, and these concentrate mainly on the orange/yellow flowers upper left, the orange flower at centre, the red buds far right and the pink flower lower left. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame in good condition with a few minor knocks.
"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."

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie for endorsing the attribution on the basis of photographs.