Claude Venard

Galerie Romanet Rive-Gauche, Paris
Hammer Galleries, New York

The medium is oil on canvas. The work has not been examined out of its frame. The work is in good overall condition. There are some networks of craquelure throughout. There is a 4in. scratch in the lower center. There is some mild frame rubbing. There are a few tiny specks of loss, and small losses in the black in the lower left quadrant and lower right quadrant. The canvas is slightly undulated. There are some surface splatters of accretion, brownish, which also fluoresce under UV. Also visible under UV are some small (nickel size) areas of inpainting in the lower right quadrant near the white oval; in the lower left quadrant in the black of the outline of the larger circle, about 8in. from the left edge; and a few small areas within the larger circular area. The colors are strong and the work presents well.
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.