Augustin Lesage

Sale, Sotheby's London, 23rd October 1997, lot 174, where acquired by David Bowie

The canvas is original. The canvas is very slightly loose in its stretcher. There is a stretcher bar mark to the upper horizontal edge and there are two small pushes to the canvas in the upper right and lower right quadrants. There is some light frame abrasion to places along the lower horizontal and right vertical edges. There are fine lines of craquelure and reticulation in places, with a few tiny flecks of associated loss most noticeable in the lower left corner and to the black pigment in the lower right quadrant. There are possible scuffs to the centre of the lower horizontal edge and to the upper left corner with a few very small associated losses to the pigment. There is a light layer of surface dirt to the work, which may benefit from a light clean. Subject to the above the work is in good overall condition. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals no obvious signs of restoration or retouching. The work is presented without a frame. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."