James Fairman

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes, Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work is still on its original stretcher. The original inscriptions are visible on the reverse. There are two small reinforcements on the reverse of the upper right, corresponding to a restored puncture in the dark clouds in the upper right, and a 3 inch horizontal break in the blue sky in the center right. There are otherwise no real retouches of any note in the sky. A few cracks have been retouched around the setting sun, and there are also retouches on the extreme upper right edge. There are hardly any retouches in the landscape, despite some of the original pigment reading strongly under ultraviolet light, particularly in the trunks of the olive trees. There is a spot of retouching in the lower left and another in the central olive tree. The paint layer has discolored slightly, and there are some visible dark stains around the lighter colors, particularly in the clouds. Some of the glazes around the setting sun have also slightly discolored. The paint layer has naturally developed cracking over the years. While the picture has been restored to a point to allow it to be comfortably presented, there is a further campaign of restoration that could be made if desired. Some of the dark stains in the clouds could be reduced, and the canvas could be lined to eliminate the cracking. Regardless, although some issues could be attended to, the work is in 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.
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.