PETER LE VASSEUR | Tattooed Sailor

Portal Gallery Ltd, London
(Possibly) Ian Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford (1917-2002)

The Artist's prepared board has been laid down onto a backing board. The prepared board appears sound. The extreme corners are slightly rounded and there is some minor frame abrasion to the extreme lower and right edges, not visible in the present frame. There are a few minor creases including to the left of the drum and to the sky above the ships. There is a historic diagonal cut to the upper layer of the board on the tattooed sailor's torso, possibly in keeping with the Artist's intentions. There are some light scuffs to the work including to the left of the lower left seated sailor's hat, to the left of the drum and to the left of the tattooed seated sailor's left proper leg, with one or two possible more minor instances elsewhere. There is some very minor craquelure to the sky in places. There is some evidence of discolouration and staining to isolated areas and the pigments may be slightly discoloured. There is some light surface dirt and one or two accretion in the paint surface. Subject to the above the work appears in very good overall condition. The work is held in a canvas slip and a gilt painted wooden frame. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

We are grateful to the Artist for his kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work.