Attributed to Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

The canvas has been lined and covered with a second loose canvas lining. The paint surface is dirty with a layer of discoloured varnish. There are lines of craquelure throughout, with abrasion to the paint surface in places along the inner frame edge. UV light reveals extensive, sweeping retouching to the lower portion of the composition, including some strengthening to the signature with some further patches of retouching to the corners, in particular upper left and further flecks of retouching to the sky. There is evidence of patches of older restoration in places throughout. Held in a gold painted wooden frame. Unexamined out of 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.

The subject and loose execution of the offered lot is typical of the artist's late oeuvre. There is extensive overpainting in places likely to have been applied at the time of the wax relilning. The reverse covered with an additional fabric lining which bears the artist's name in Cyrillic and date 1897, presumably reproducing what was once inscribed on the reverse of the original canvas.