Sir Matthew Smith

Peter Nahum, The Leicester Galleries, London, where acquired by the present owner in 1998

The canvas has been relined. There is some minor frame abrasion along the right edge. There are a few minor areas of craquelure, including to the background in the upper left quadrant, to the green pigments in the bouquet and to the table in the lower right quadrant. Otherwise the work is in generally good overall condition. Ultraviolet light reveals a few isolated flecks of retouching across the canvas, including to the aforementioned craquelure upper left, in the lower left corner and along the lower edge. There is an area of fluorescence in the upper right corner which may be retouching. Held under glass in gilt plaster frame. Please telephone the department on +44 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present lot.
"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."