Alexandre Cabanel

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's: This work has been restored. However, the lining is no longer effective, particularly in the upper right, where numerous areas have detached from the lining, causing swelling and instability to the original canvas. The painting itself seems to be in quite healthy state. There is a heavy handed restoration visible in the breast of the figure, where a 3 inch vertical break in the canvas has been rather poorly restored. There is another restoration in the bicep on the right side. In general, the paint layer is unrestored apart from these areas, and only slight thinness has developed in the thinnest glazes. There seems to be some strengthening on the left side of the cheek and jaw.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."