Anton Robert Leinweber

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Structural Condition The canvas has been lined and this is providing a stable and secure structural support. There are a number of areas of paint shrinkage caused by the natural drying process of the artist's materials which are entirely stable and not visually distracting. Paint Surface The paint surface has a very discoloured varnish layer and cleaning should result in a considerable colour change. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows a thick band of retouching just below the upper horizontal framing edge. This would certainly appear to be where the canvas has been at some stage turned over the upper horizontal stretcher bar to reduce the size and subsequently restretched to show the full height of the painting. During this process, inevitably, creases have occurred on the turnover edges and the holes on the tacking edges. These have been rather crudely and excessively repainted. Apart from this area only very small scattered retouchings are visible under ultra-violet light. Summary The painting therefore appears to be in good and stable condition and the retouching is concentrated on the extended upper horizontal turnover edge.
"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 scene captures the bustle of activity at the Souk des étoffes in Tunis, the market for fabric and clothing off the rue Jemaa ez-Zeytouna in the medina. Tunisian crafts and products such as silk, perfumes and spices, felt skullcaps called chéchias, silver jewellery and antiques have been historically sold nearby.

FIG. 1, Photograph of the Sidi-M'Harez Mosque and Bab-Souika Square, Tunis