ANTO CARTE | Maternité

Taf Wallet, Belgium (gift of the artist in the 1950s and thence by descent)
Sale: Galerie Moderne, Brussels, April 16, 2002, lot 724
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

Executed on cream wove paper, laid down on masonite. There are artist's pinholes at several points to the upper and lower extreme edges. There is a milky varnish preventing UV light from fully penetrating, however examination under UV light appears to reveal a repaired tear with associated retouching running vertically from upper edge to lower edge across the nude woman. There are two smaller vertical repaired tears (approx. 8 cm long) with associated retouching to the left part of the upper edge and a few further tiny dots of retouching in areas, most predominately along the extreme edges. There is a small area with a repaired tear to the upper part of the left edge. There are a few flyspots in places. There is some frame rubbing along the extreme edges. This work is in overall 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."