Erskine Nicol, R.S.A., A.R.A.

The panel is sound and is cradled on the reverse. There is a horizontal line of surface craquelure along the bottom edge, some areas of old paint separation along the left edge and scattered to the background and a small speck of paint loss in the upper left corner. The varnish has slightly discoloured otherwise in good overall condition. Under ultraviolet light, there is an area of retouching corresponding to the horizontal line of craquelure along the bottom edge, there are fine lines of retouching scattered to the background, an area of fine lines of retouching to the chair on the right and the table on the left and some further small areas to the gentleman's hand and bottle on the left, on the woman's face and above her and some small areas to the seated man's hand and cheeks on the right of the composition. Held in a plaster gilt frame under glass; unexamined out of 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. 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."