Gustave Courbet, Possibly with Collaboration

Koller, Zurich, Autumn 1981, lot 46
Koller, Zurich, 3-4 June 1983, lot 5173
Purchased in London in 1990

The canvas has an old relining. Ultraviolet light reveals strokes of retouching along the left, right, and upper framing edges, and scattered very small spots primarily in the sky. In some areas, e.g. the wave, the varnish fluoresces a more opaque green under U.V. light obscureing a clear reading of the surface. This work is in good overall condition and is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame, with a nameplate.
"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."

To be included in the Courbet Critical Catalogue by Sarah Faunce, who on the basis of a photograph considers the work to be solely by Gustave Courbet.
According to Jean-Jacques Fernier, the present work is a collaboration between Gustave Courbet and Cherubino Pata, or possibly solely by Pata.