Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

Sotheby's London, The Russian Sale, 19 May 2005, lot 8

G.Caffiero and I.Samarine, Light, Water and Sky, the Paintings of Ivan Aivazovsky, London: Alexandria Press, 2012, p.239 and p.320, no.172, illustrated

Original canvas which is slack on the stretcher. There is a layer of light surface dirt, flecks of dirt in the top right and elsewhere in the sky. There is a stain running vertically to the right of the ship. There is a small surface scratch to the right of the ship's mast. There are frame abrasions with associated paint loss along the edges. There is paint shrinkage along the mountains and below the line of the horizon on the left. There are remnants of gold paint along the bottom edge. Inspection under UV light shows no apparent signs of retouching. Held in a gold painted wooden frame with mouldings. Unexamined out of frame.
"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."

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