After Ferdinand Bellermann (19th Century)

Sir Robert A.W. Dent, C.B.E.
Sale: Sotheby's Belgravia, London, Topographical Paintings, Drawings, Watercolours and Prints, May 31, 1972, lots 34 and 35, illustrated

Vendedor de Gallinas Caraquwno This painting has been cleaned and restored. The canvas has been lined. The paint layer is stable. There are retouches in the skirt of the mother, in a spot beneath the gourd of the man kneeling on the left side, in a few isolated spots in the upper right and in the wall above the figures. There is a pentimenti of a previous composition involving a palm tree which is slightly visible in the wall near the parrot. Overall however the condition is very good and the picture should be hung as is. Posada, Venezuela This painting is in similar condition as its mate. There are some cracks in the cloak of the man seated on the donkey which have been slightly retouched. There is a spot of retouch in the dress of the seated young girl, a couple of losses beneath the seated man with the guitar and some isolated spots of retouch, one in the sleeve of the mother and some in the upper left. Overall the condition is very respectable and the restorations mostly address the predictable sings of age which develop in pictures of this period. This painting should be hung as is. (This condition report has been provided courtesy of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.)
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.