JULIUS LEBLANC STEWART | Full Speed

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: While this work is certainly very presentable in its current state, a re-examination of the restoration would make a notable difference. The canvas has an old glue lining, which is slightly uneven in places, particularly across the bottom edge. The paint layer is very heavy, and it seems that the artist intentionally scraped and distressed the paint layer in some areas, and applied glazes in others, particularly in the sky. In the upper right, there are three or four horizontal breaks in the canvas, each running about 2 inches or so, which show retouches that could be improved. There is a fairly large pentiment above the hat of the pilot of the ship, where the shape of the hat was presumably changed by the artist, which has been retouched. The top and inside brim of the existing hat also seem to have required retouches. The shadowed face of the same figure and other spots here and there throughout the composition have received retouches to address slight weakness, particularly to the glazes. There are restorations along the bottom edge to some losses and broken glazes. The signature in the lower right is unretouched, and most of the flowers in the lower right are also in very good state. Ideally, the lining would be changed in order to create a better surface and correct the wave in the canvas along the bottom edge, and the work would be cleaned to remove the thick varnish and allow for more accurate retouching to be applied. However, the work could also be hung as is.
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.