FRANCIS PICABIA | Le Chat blanc

huile sur toilesigné en bas à droite

Private collection, France
Thence by descent to the present owner

The board is stable. There is a milky varnish preventing UV light from fully penetrating, however examination under UV light seems to reveal lines and dots of retouching along the extreme edges and a few further dots and lines of retouching above the cat's head, to the upper right quadrant and towards the lower part of the right edge. There is some paint shrinkage most predominately away from the figure. There is some light frame rubbing along the extreme edges. This work is in overall fairly good condition and could benefit from a light clean.
"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."

This work will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné being prepared by the Comité Picabia.