Paul Gauguin

Consul Friedrich Woelz (until circa 1914)
Dagmar Cless, née Woelz (until the 1950s)
Eicke Cless (by descent from the above)
Private Collection, Europe (sale: Christie's, London, 8th February 2001, lot 423)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down and hinged to the mount in two places along the upper edge. The left edge is serrated and the other three edges are slightly uneven. The sheet is slightly time stained and there is a 5cm. long horizontal incision along the extreme upper right edge, not visible when framed. There is some tape remnant to the edge of the verso, some light creasing in places and a very gentle undulation, inherent to the artist's technique. There is some very light surface dirt to the extreme edges. Otherwise, this work is in overall good condition. Colours: overall fairly accurate in the printed catalogue, though in the original there is more green to the blue pigments and the paper tone is slightly less red.
"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."