Simon-Albert Bussy

Acquired directly from the artist by Dr. Philippe Loisel, whence purchased by the present owner

There are areas of craquelure within the towers, sky and both birds. The work has been chipped to the upper right edge. Held in a simple wooden frame. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals sections of retouching to the birds, and spots of retouching within the area directly below them.
"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 artist in a statement;
'One of the most important days of my artistic life was the one in which I managed to merge in an ideal synthesis my previous landscape studies and those of birds, reptiles and other zoo animals that I was currently completing... My animals, birds and reptiles, lack any fantasist qualities; they are genuine portraits in which I desire any resemblance to be distanced from the accidental with evermore sharpness, precision and purity.'
Philippe Loisel, Bulletin des Amis D'André Gide, Les Busy: Le Pinceau et la Plume, Vol. XVII-No.84, Octobre 1989, Centre D'Etudes Des Sciences de la Litterature, Université de Paris-X Nanterre, p.434 - p.435.