James McNeill Whistler

Lithograph printed in black, gray and red, 1893, the first of three impressions from S./S./T.'s very rare first state (of three) and a unique trial proof, signed in pencil with the artist's butterfly mongram, inscribed ‘N^o. 2 Gray’ in the lower left of the plate, on cream Japanese wove paper, printed by Henry Belfond, London, framed

The print is in good condition. Uneven paper discoloration from pale mat- and light-stain. At the extremities of the image are several oxidized finger prints and two unobtrusive areas of stray ink. Minor imperfections on the recto include a hard crease in the bottom right corner, an occasional fox mark and two soft handling creases, which are only visible in raking light. Two pieces of tape in the sheet's right corners and a small area of skinning in the top left corner, presumably from a previous hinging, appear on the verso. There is also minor surface soiling and an occasional fox mark on the verso.
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.

This is one of two lithgraphs printed in colors which Whister executed upon his return from Brittany. This impression is cited in Spink/Stratis/Tedeschi.