french school 19th century

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Harding Lawrence, Villa Fiorentina, Cap Ferrat, sold, Sotheby's, New York, May 23, 2001, lot 188

The canvas is relined. The painting is in a lovely state and may be hung as is. U.V. reveals an old repaired backwards p-shaped tear in the sky to the right of the pyramid. There are some retouches and reworkings in the pyramid. Two larger areas of retouching in the pyramid, one at the extreme right and the other at the left towards the top of the pyramid could have been made to repair old tears. There are also some minor retouches in the obelisk and a few tiny dots of retouching in the sky at far left and right. All of these retouches and reworkings have been applied well and no further restoration is recommended. There may be other minor retouchings and reworkings, but the varnish makes these impossible to read with U.V. In a carved and giltwood 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.