L12102

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Lot 71
  • 71

Joseph Bail

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Joseph Bail
  • Les Polisseuses
  • signed Bail Joseph lower right
  • oil on canvas
  • 89.5 by 117.8cm., 35¼ by 46½in.

Condition

The canvas has not been lined. There are localised areas of hairline paint shrinkage, notably in the arms and chest of the seated lady to the right and her pot, around the edge of the copper urn in the centre, and in the dark pigments of the background, and a faint horizontal stretcher mark in the centre. Under ultraviolet light the thick, opaque varnish obscures a clear reading of the surface, however there appears to be an area of retouching above and to the right of the standing lady's head, a stroke in the floor below the basin into which the water is being poured, and some strokes in the background addressing the paint shrinkage; it is possible that there are some further strokes which do not fluoresce clearly but where the lines of paint shrinkage are discordant. The varnish has yellowed with age, and the work would benefit from a surface clean. Held in a decorative gilt frame. The reds are less intense than in the catalogue illustration.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."