Michael Goldberg

Martha Jackson Gallery, New York

This work is in very good condition overall. The surface consists of multiple layers of heavy paint application, particularly in the very thick white pigment. As a result, the canvas, which is slightly slack on the stretcher, displays moderate rippling, particularly in the lower right. There are scattered areas of caramel-toned resin material on several of the white paint strokes as visible in the catalogue illustration. The resin appears to have been a component of the white paint which has exuded out from the opaque layer forming a clear warm toned skin. The texture of the white paint in these areas shows minute wrinkling which is an indication of the artist's use of excess media in these areas. The resinous material appears to be one of the constituents of the artist's original paint mixture and its exudation the result of his techniques. It would not be possible to successfully remove this resin as erosion of the lower white paint layer would be the anticipated result. Under ultraviolet light, there are scattered restorations overall paint losses evident in the following locations with particular note at 24 ¾-25 in. from the top and 22 5/8 – 23 in. from the right edge, 22 – 22 3/8 in. from the top and 32 5/8 – 33 1/8 in. from the right edge, 31 ¾ - 32 7/8 in. from the bottom and 13 7/8 – 14 ¼ in. from the left edge and 13 – 13 ¼ in. from the bottom and 8 ¼ - 8 7/8 in. from the left edge. There is also a small chip loss in the white located near the center of the painting. The painting is framed in a blonde wood strip frame.
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.