FREDERICK ARTHUR BRIDGMAN | An Egyptian Priest

Alexander Gallery, New York 
Private Collection, Dallas, Texas (acquired from the above) 
Sale: Heritage Auctions, Dallas, May 22, 2004, lot 19814, illustrated (as King David)
Private Collection, Dallas, Texas (acquired at the above sale) 

Lined. The work presents well, aside from minor surface dirt and dust; rippling to the canvas in the upper half of the work and at center right; widely patterned, faint craquelure across the figure's face and hair; and a 1 inch varnish scratch underneath figure's shoulder. A few repairs are visible to the naked eye: two at center left, and a few along the center right edge. Frame abrasion scattered at the edges with some associated losses. Under UV: the surface is covered in an uneven, fluorescing green varnish, of which the figure's face and body appear to have been cleaned. There is faint, old fluorescence on the figure's face and on the underside of his arm. Inpainting to address aforementioned repairs as well as small areas of retouching fluoresce at upper center, lower right, on top of the figure's head and the tip of his staff. There are a few isolated retouches in the figure's hair, and a concentrated area of pin dot retouches in the background at lower left. Broad inpainting to address prior frame abrasion scattered at the edges.
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.

We would like to thank Dr. Ilene Susan Fort, Curator Emerita, American Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, for kindly confirming the authenticity of this lot.