Ernst Stuven

With Norbert Fischman, London, 1943 (as Willem van Aelst).

Advertisment in Burlington Magazine, December 1943, vol. lxxxiii, no. 489, reproduced p. vii.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The canvas is lined and the paint layer is stable. There is a restored damage to the upper right and upper left of the arch, in the niche. The paint to the background has been abraded and as a consequence has been substantially strengthened. Under Ultra-Violet light restoration to the right hand edge is visible along with restored losses to the lower right corner, through the carpet, and a scattering of restorations across the surface. Delicate scumbles and glazes, particularly to the carpet, have been compromised. There is the remains of a patchy discoloured varnish in situ. Much of the paint to the still life is in good condition. Removing the varnish and the earlier patchy varnish would improve the tonality."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

A signed work of broadly similar composition was sold in these Rooms, 3 June 1996, lot 38, for £42,000.