MARK GERTLER | Allegory

The Artist and thence by descent to the previous owner
Private Collection
Their sale, Sotheby's London, 13th November 1985, lot 93, where acquired by the present owner

The canvas has been lined. There is a historic and repaired diagonal tear in the centre of the left third of the composition, with further historic and restored losses visible to the centre of the upper edge and some further restoration visible in the sky surrounding the trees to the left. There are some light scuffs to the purple robes of the seated shrouded man. There is one fleck of loss just below the orange trees on the left, with one or two possible flecks elsewhere. There is some discolouration in places, most visible in the white robes of the lady to the right, and some surface dirt and matter. Inspection under ultraviolet light is rendered difficult by the varnish but fluorescence and probable retouching is visible to the aforementioned diagonal tear in the left third of the canvas, to the upper edge and to the upper left area, with further scattered retouchings elsewhere including to the lower right corner and the central woman's torso. The work is held in a stained wooden frame. 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."

We are grateful to Sarah MacDougall for her kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work.