Frithjof Smith-Hald

Acquired by the great-aunt of the present owner circa 1950

The canvas has not been lined. There are faint lines of craquelure, and a faint stretcher mark parallel to the edges and horizontally and vertically in the centre. Under ultraviolet light some of the pigments, notably in the snow, fluoresce however these certainly appear to be the artist's original and not retouching. Apart from some small scattered spots of paint flaking, primarily just above the hills near the right edge, in the lower left quadrant, and a tiny puncture in the lower centre of the sky, and surface dirt which could be addressed with a light surface clean which would transform the work's appearance, this work is overall in good condition. Held in a decorative gilt frame. There is somewhat more colour in the sky than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."