Lot 66
  • 66

Peter Howson

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • Peter Howson
  • Contemplation of Moonlight
  • oil on canvas
  • 254 by 230cm., 100 by 84in.

Condition

The following condition report has been prepared by Hamish Dewar Ltd, London: UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE Structural Condition The canvas is unlined and is securely attached to what certainly appears to be the artist's original expansion bolt stretcher. The stretcher is in two sections and is braced at the joints with steel plates which are screwed into the reverse of the stretcher. This is providing a stable structural support. Paint Surface The paint surface has the artist's characteristic uneven surface appearance. There is an area of small white splash marks towards the lower part of the right edge, and there are two small spots of white paint close to the moon in the upper right of the composition. There are several areas of raised lines of craquelure, most notably within the figure's head, left arm and torso. There is also a raised diagonal line of craquelure below the centre of the upper edge, and some further small areas of craquelure within the sky in the upper right quadrant of the composition. These areas appear stable. There are two diagonal lines of abrasion towards the lower left corner of the composition, a diagonal line of abrasion within the building in the lower centre of the composition, and a faint horizontal line of abrasion on the figure's right shoulder. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows no evidence of any previous restoration work. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in good and stable condition and would benefit from localised cleaning to removal splash marks, and from the localised treatment of the abrasions mentioned above.
"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."