Irving Ramsay Wiles

Chapellier Galleries, New York
Sold: Christie's, New York, September 27, 1990, lot 184, illustrated in color (as Oriental Girl)

St. Joseph, Missouri, Albrecht Gallery of Arts, The Art of Irving Ramsey Wiles, May 1971
Columbus, Ohio, Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, n.d.

This painting is in very good condition, although under ultraviolet light no information about the condition is available. The canvas is very lightly lined. There is an area above the sitter’s left eye which is slightly unstable and this may correspond to a paint loss, however this is by no means a certainty. There are two areas in the pink kimono on the shoulder in the lower right corner which are very slightly raised and care needs to be take here. It may be that changing the lining might be the appropriate measure. There appear to be no further restorations and it does appear that none have been added to the picture. The color of the background is opaque and if the picture is removed from the frame, a very dark background emerges. This picture will respond well to cleaning and structural restoration. Overall however, the condition is very good.
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.