Ben Nicholson

The Lefevre Gallery, London
John Newberry, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, by 1955
Sale: Christie's, New York, November 16, 1983, lot 428 (titled AUG 14-50(2))
Saidenberg Gallery, New York
Waddington Galleries (acquired from above in 1985)
Private collection, United States (acquired from above in 1985)

London, The Lefevre Gallery, Recent Paintings 1949-50 by Ben Nicholson, 1950, no. 34, not illustrated
New York, Durlacher Brothers, Ben Nicholson, 1951, no. 19, not illustrated

The medium is pencil and oil on canvas laid down on board, mounted on Masonite (the artist's mount). The work is in very good original condition. There is a small diagonal crease in the extreme lower right corner of the canvas board, visible in the 1983 Christie's catalogue images as well as a pinhead sized nick just above it, on the right edge of the canvas. There is some minor denting with associated minor flaking, and paint loss, in the lower right extreme corner of the Masonite mount. There is some surface dirt throughout. There is no apparent inpainting when viewed under UV. The media are strong and the work presents very well.
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.