JEAN-BAPTISTE-ÉDOUARD DETAILLE | Le soldat

Sale: Sotheby's, New York, May 28, 1992, lot 172, illustrated 
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner 

Original unlined condition. In the background on the right side of the composition there are scattered dots of accretion that have been previously retouched and are faintly visible to the naked eye. Under UV: varnish fluoresces in one area around (but not on top of) the signature and inscription. There is a 1 inch horizontal repair in the background at upper left; two small, finely applied restorations to the left of the figure's rifle; and a few pin dots of retouching to the figure's hips. There are scattered, finely applied dashes of inpainting to address prior craquelure in the background on the right side; a few additional very sparsely applied fine dots of retouching throughout background; and the aforementioned retouches to address the dots of accretion also fluoresce.
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.

We are grateful to François Robichon, Président des Amis d'Edouard Detaille, for his assistance with cataloguing this work.