Attributed to Franz Werner von Tamm

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby’s, 11 April 1991, lot 74.

The picture is warmer in colour and darker in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has been laid down on board and as a result the paint surface has been flattened in terms of texture but in good overall condition otherwise with no damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye except for some very minor frame abrasion to the canvas edges. Examination under ultraviolet reveals minor scattered retouching mainly in the background leaving the flowers, for the most part, untouched. There is also retouching to an old curved repaired tear measuring approx. 10 in. following the contour of the lowest bud of the foamy red stem upper left. There is also a small area of restored damage in the background in the upper left hand corner which measures approx. 2 in. There is a think discoloured varnish overall which impedes further inspection. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster frame in good overall condition.
"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."

When this painting was offered for sale in 1991 the attribution was endorsed by Fred G. Meijer of the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie.