Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

In the collection of the present owner's family since before the First World War

Structural Condition The canvas is lined and is securely attached to a keyed wooden stretcher. This is ensuring an even and stable structural support. The tacking and turnover edges are covered with brown paper gum tape. Paint Surface The painting has a relatively even matt varnish layer. The paint surface has scattered areas of lines of craquelure within the sea in the lower left quadrant and the sky in the upper left quadrant of the composition. These are entirely stable. There are very small networks of fine lines of drying craquelure within the rocks in the right of the composition. These are also stable and are attributable to the natural drying processes of the artist's materials. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows scattered areas of fluorescence within the sky which correspond to areas where spots of the artist's white ground are exposed. These may possibly be attributable to the artist's materials and techniques or may be historic restoration work. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in very good and stable condition and would benefit from surface cleaning and revarnishing.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The present work is included in the numbered archive of the artist's work compiled by Gianni Caffiero and Ivan Samarine.