Albert Bierstadt

Kennedy Galleries, New York
Dr. John P. Warter, acquired from the above, 1970 (sold: Sotheby's, New York, March 5, 2003, lot 118)
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale

Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. (August 26, 2014): Like many small Bierstadt paintings, this work is on paper. In this case, it has been quite successfully mounted onto Masonite. There is a thin crease or break in the paper in the center of the right side and another small one in the lower right. There are a couple of small cracks in the center of the bottom edge. The remainder of the work seems to be in very healthy state. It is probably slightly dirty at present. Under ultraviolet light, one can see retouches along the two creases or breaks on the right side. The varnish has become slightly opaque, but the condition is quite good nonetheless. The signature reads fairly strongly under ultraviolet light. This is not unusual for Bierstadt's works on paper. These works were done en plein air and were usually signed later when he returned to the East Coast. In my opinion, this inscription is original to the artist.
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.