Sviatoslav Roerich

Collection of Louis and Nettie Horch, New York (acquired directly from the artist)
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner, circa 1977

This painting is structurally sound. The canvas is unlined and well stretched. The painting is unvarnished, which is appropriate, and should not be cleaned. There have been in the past some losses, some of which have been retouched and these retouches have blanched or become slightly lighter in color. This is clearly visible in the retouches addressing the diagonal scratch in the upper center, running approximately nine inches long, in some other marks in the upper left and in a few spots in the halo above the figure of the woman on the right. There are also restorations in the halo on the woman on the left, in her head and in her cheek. There are numerous smaller losses along the edge in the lower left and in a few other spots. These restorations should be removed and reexamined. However, the general health of the picture is clearly good and it will improve with the correct restoration. The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.
"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."