Dale William Nichols

Private Collection, Glenview, Illinois (acquired from the artist)
Aaron Galleries, Chicago
Gasiunasen Gallery, Palm Beach, Florida

Condition Report as per Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes, Inc., an independent conservator (9/23/2014): This work is still on its original stretcher. The canvas has relaxed, causing a stretcher mark to develop across the sky. There are a few other cracks here and there. The painting has been restored. Retouches have been applied along the stretcher mark in the sky, across the top edge to address some frame abrasion, in a few dots in the mountains beyond and in the lower center sky. The darker colors of the mountain on the right have also developed some thinness which has been retouched. Retouches of the same kind are also visible on the roof and walls of the barn and in the foreground. This thinness is seen in other Nichols works. While this painting may be slightly abraded, the retouches are very loosely applied and there are many areas (such as the horse, plough, signature and date) that are un-abraded, which could imply that these retouches may not be necessary. It is recommended that some effort be made to reduce the cracking in the sky.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.