John James Audubon (After)

Hand-colored engraving with etching and aquatint, by R. Havell, 1838, on wove paper with the J. Whatman 1838 watermark, with wide margins, generally in good condition apart from a central vertical flattened crease, a small touched-in skinned area to the left of the beak, the margins with repaired tears at left and right and a circular loss at top, pale discoloration, the verso with mottled mat stain, framed

The print is generally in good condition as catalogued and presents itself well. The central vertical crease has been flattened and is generally unobtrusive. The portion of the crease in the lower margin is possibly a very skillfully repaired tear which is slightly disrupting the title. The circular skinned area to the left of the beak measures 1/4 inch and is touched-in. There is a 1 1/2 inch tear in the lower margin at left, backed by Japan paper which is slightly lifting off. A similar 1 1/2 inch tear in the margin at upper right is partially backed and possibly corresponds to minor discoloration in the image at left, but no visible repairs are seen. The circular loss at the upper sheet edge measures 1/3 inch. Discoloration is comprised of a few fox marks in the image particualrly in the upper sheet, pale light-stain, and discoloration at the sheet edges at bottom. The verso has mottled discoloration throughout due to exposure to an acidic back mat.
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.