Charles Edward Hallé

London, New Gallery, date unknown.

The canvas has been lined. There are two areas of discoloured restoration each side of the figure's head which are visible to the naked eye, these could benefit from being examined by a restorer. A small localised area of craquelure in the lower right hand quadrant. There is a discoloured layer of varnish and surface dirt. UV light inspection reveals retouching corresponding to the aforementioned restoration with smaller restorations to her right shoulder, her neck and face. There is further retouching to the right hand edge and further spots of retouching elsewhere.
"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."

Hallé was one of the founders of the Grosvenor Gallery and the New Gallery in London. This highly-decorative painting of the flame-haired siren Lorelei, is typical of the style championed by the two exhibition venues. Lorelei is a dryad who appears in German folklore, poetry and opera. She was the subject of music by, among others, Schumann, Medelssohn, Liszt and Strauss and was an obvious choice of subject for Hallé whose father was Sir Charles Hallé, the famous German-born pianist and conductor who founded the Hallé Orchestra.