Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

Sotheby's London, Icons, Russian Pictures and Works of Art, 24 November 1992, lot 63 

Structural Condition The canvas is unlined and is attached to the original keyed wooden stretcher. The canvas is inscribed in the upper right as viewed from the reverse and there are several inscriptions and an old label on the reverse of the stretcher. The canvas is undulating and requires treatment. There are a few very small old repairs visible on the reverse and a very tiny hole in the upper left as viewed from the reverse. There are slight stretcher-bar lines corresponding to the stretcher-bars. Paint Surface The paint surface has a relatively even varnish layer. There are several areas of slightly raised craquelure most notably within the lower part of the sea. There are some minor scratches below the centre of the upper edge and a small loss on the centre of the upper edge and lower edge and some minor losses within the corners. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows fluorescence throughout the sky which would appear to be retouching but may possibly be attributable to the artist's materials and techniques. There are also a few spots of retouching within the right part of the sea. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in reasonably good condition and would benefit from cleaning, restoration and revarnishing including the treatment of any undulations to the canvas and restretching.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The present work is included in the numbered archive of the artist's work compiled by Gianni Caffiero and Ivan Samarine.