Jean Achille Benouville

Private collection, Brooklyn Heights, by the 1960s
Thence by descent to the present owner

Oil on canvas, unlined. The surface is covered by a widely spaced pattern of craquelure; there are two circular areas of craquelure at the upper left corner and at the center of the sky. There is minor bumping to the canvas in the trees at upper right. The surface appears relatively clean aside from surface dirt and dust. There is retouching visible to the naked eye at upper right. A line of retouching in the sky extends 3 inches then turns 90° down through the trees and a cross again in a sideways U pattern. Under UV light, the previously mentioned U shape fluoresces. Additional areas of retouching in the sky above the trees and down the trunks of the trees, potentially related to strengthening and/or a previous tear. Additional retouching chew the trees at the horizon at right and a few small scattered spots along the extreme edges
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.