MARTIN JOHNSON HEADE | Apple Blossoms and Hummingbird

Sold: Christie's, New York, March 16, 1994, lot 48
Private collection, New York (acquired at the above sale)
By descent to the present owner 

Theodore E. Stebbins, Jr., The Life and Works of Martin Johnson Heade: A Critical Analysis and Catalogue Raisonné, New Haven, Connecticut, 2000, no. 451, p. 313, illustrated

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes, 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 on board is restored and should be hung in its current state. The surface is slightly rough in some areas. This is likely part of the gesso layer which was applied by the artist. Under ultraviolet light, a loss about the size of a dime that has been restored can be seen in the upper right. There are tiny spots of retouching applied to reduce some slight thinness in the background around the still life, particularly on the left and upper center. There are also a few tiny spots in the branches and in the leaves on the far left. There is one other retouch in the lower center which does not interfere with the inscription.
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.