Kees van Dongen

M. & Mme Mangel, Paris
Bernheim-Jeune & Cie, Paris
Sale: Tajan, Paris, 28th March 1996, lot 47
Private Collection, France
Sale: Christie's, London, 7th December 1999, lot 193
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Paris, Bernheim-Jeune & Cie, Exposition Van Dongen, 1908, no. 29
Monaco, Nouveau Musée National de Monaco & Montreal, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montreal, Van Dongen, 2008-09, no. 90, illustrated in the catalogue

The canvas is not lined; it has been de-lined and there is some glue and wax residue to the reverse. There is a thick layer of varnish preventing UV light from fully penetrating, however UV examination reveals a few areas of retouching, most notably to the four edges, some associated to pigment losses, and there is a repaired tear to the centre of the upper edge and one towards the centre of the lower right quadrant. There are fine lines of stable craquelure to the ochre and white pigments. There is some frame rubbing with some associated paint losses to all four extreme edges. This work is in overall fairly good 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."