Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Acquired circa 1950-60 by the current owner

The canvas is relined. Under UV light, a few small strokes of retouching fluoresce between the flowers to the right of the centre, with smaller lines of very minor inpainting around the central flower and near the upper edge. Otherwise this work is in very 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 I paint flowers, my mind has a rest. I do not make the same mental effort with them as when I am face to face with a model. When I paint flowers, I put down different shades of colour and try out some bold tonal values, without worrying about spoiling a canvas. Faced with a human figure, I would not dare so much, for fear of ruining everything. And the experience that I draw from these studies benefits my other paintings." 

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, quoted in Peter H. Feist, Pierre-August Renoir: A Dream of Harmony, Cologne, 1987, p. 78