ALBERT LEBOURG | Les Bords de la Seine à Vetheuil, temps couvert

Sir Ronald Prain, United Kingdom (sale: Christie's, London, 3rd April 1979, lot 23)
E. Franklin Robbins, U.S.A. (purchased at the above sale)
Private Collection, Cologne
Private Collection, Cologne (acquired from the above in 1999)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Cologne, Wallraf-Richtaz Museum (on loan, 1992 - 2006)

Léonce Bénédite, Albert Lebourg, Paris, 1923, no. 406

The canvas is not lined. Examination under UV light reveals some areas of retouching in places, in particular to the sky and within the lower right quadrant, and some further areas of retouching to all four edges. There is a tiny puncture to the canvas to the left side of the extreme upper edge and a further tiny puncture within the green pigment at the centre of the composition, both with minor associated pigment loss. There is some craquelure visible and some small areas of pigment shrinkage in places. This work is in overall fairly 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. 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."

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by François Lespinasse.