Alejandro Obregón (1920-1992)

The Portman Collection, Chevy Chase, Maryland

This work was created with an intentionally non-traditional approach. The paint layer is quite uneven in places. The canvas is unlined, but the tacking edges have been reinforced and the stretcher is more recent. The reverse of the painting has been treated with wax. The paint layer seems to be quite varnished, and it is unclear as to whether this is an original finish or a later one. Restorations are all quite clearly visible under ultraviolet light. They are quite numerous throughout the work and probably address isolated paint losses rather than abrasion. There is one particularly intense area of restoration in the pale line of color running across the top of the picture; there is a consistent amount of restoration in this area, particularly in the center and left side. The stability of the paint layer is somewhat questionable in this one area, but there does not appear to be any immediately noticeable instability throughout the remainder of the picture. Given the eccentric technique, which employs a lot of scraping, repainting and various techniques to abrade and craft the paint layer, it may well be that some of these retouches are misguided. (This condition report has been provided courtesy of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.)
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.