David Bomberg

The Artist, by whom gifted to Adriaan Beele and thence by descent
Sale, Christie's London, 23rd June 1994, lot 60, where acquired by David Bowie

The canvas is lined. The canvas undulates very slightly in one or two places. There are some old frame abrasions, most visible down the right vertical edge and lower horizontal edge. There are fine lines of craquelure and reticulation throughout, with a very few tiny specks of associated loss. There are some small spots of studio detritus and surface dirt to the work, as well as some slight flattening to some of the thicker raised areas of impasto, only visible upon very close inspection. Subject to the above the work is in good overall condition. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a few tiny areas of fluorescence which appear to be in keeping with the artist's materials. The work is held within a moulded wood frame with gilt decorative patterns. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

'I was in the habit of passing a lady who sold flowers outside Gloucester Road tube station. I thought that if I spent a little housekeeping money on a bunch that I picked, David might be induced to start painting them. I took a bunch home, arranged them in a vase on the living room table and left them there.'

(Lilian Bomberg, quoted in Richard Cork, David Bomberg, Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 1987, p.248).