August Löhr (1843-1919)

Private collection, Switzerland

This painting is in beautiful condition. The canvas is not lined but the paint layer has recently been cleaned. There is a slight wave to the canvas in the corners, which can be corrected quite easily. Although the painting has been cleaned there has been no abrasion to any part of the picture, even in the thinly applied and very transparent and potentially soluble darker colors. The only restorations that have been applied are situated in the very darkest colors on the far left side, where a few cracks have developed in the glazes applied here; these retouches have been applied mainly towards the left edge. There are also a couple of cracks which have been retouched in the middle of the composition beneath the house and in the vegetation on the side of the lake in the lower center. There are also a few spots of retouch in the trunk of the tree and in the red glow of the sunset, again the rich color here cracked while drying and a few retouches have been applied. Under ultraviolet light there are remnants of an old varnish which read in an opaque and milky fashion; this is perfectly normal. Also some of the leaves in the trees are darker than others, which is also a symptom of the artist's pigment rather than any restoration. The painting is in beautiful state and should be hung as is. This condition report has been provided courtesy of Simon Parkes Art Conservation.
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.