ANDRÉ LHOTE | Les Lys et les choux

Estate of the Artist
Simone Lhote, Paris (the artist's wife; by descent from the above)
Suzanne Bermann (by descent from the above; sale: Ferri Scp., Paris, 4th June 1999, lot 14)
Private Collection, France (sale: Sotheby's, London, 25th October 2000, lot 25)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

The canvas is lined. Inspection under UV light reveals a layer of varnish preventing the light from fully penetrating. There are areas of fluorescence, possibly retouching, along the extreme edges. There is evidence of stable craquelure to the thicker areas of impasto predominantly to the white flowers. There is evidence of shrinkage to the pigment in the upper left quadrant. The work might benefit from a clean. Overall this work is in good condition.
"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."

The present work is related to a painting of the same title and date, signed A. Somoff, which is now in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Bordeaux. André Lhote used this pseudonym to gain acceptance to the Salon des Beaux-Arts of Bordeaux from which he was regularly rejected for being too modern.

This work will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné being prepared by Dominique Bermann Martin.