Alexander Borisovich Serebriakov

signed and dated A. Serebriakoff 1946. lower left

Sotheby's New York, The Duke & Duchess of Windsor (The Private Collections), February 19, 1998, lot 63, illustrated

Some surface dirt and faint pin dots of foxing visible in the lighter areas of the composition, overall colors are bright and fresh. Work is affixed to mat board with three paper hinges along top edge.
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.

As Serebriakoff depicts, the Duchess of Windsor decorated her  "Banquette Room" at 24 Boulevard Suchet with a mix of formal and more relaxed elements.  The elegant boiserie and walls were painted a formal white and a sumptuous green carpet was complimented with comfortable velvet banquettes covered with pillows (Greg King, The Duchess of Windsor: The Uncommon Life of Wallis Simpson, London, 1993, p. 310). A portrait of the Duchess of Windsor by Etienne Drian (French, 1885-1961) appears on the left hand wall.  The portrait and other decorative objects and furnishings in the "The Banquette Room" were sold in these rooms along with the present work in 1998.

For further information please see lot 295.