AUGUSTE HERBIN | Nature morte aux raisins

Private Collection
Léonce Rosenberg, Paris (Galerie L'Effort Moderne) 
Sale: Christie's, London, 5th April 1968, lot 154
Private Collection (purchased at the above sale)
Private Collection, Japan (acquired circa 2000)
Acquired by the present owner in 2019

Bulletin de l'Effort Moderne, Paris, November 1925 
Geneviève Claisse, Catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre peint d'Auguste Herbin, Lausanne, 1993, no. 547, illustrated p. 375

The canvas is not lined. Inspection under UV light reveals a thick varnish which prevents the light from fully penetrating, however there appear to be a number of scattered old spots of retouching: to the dark red pigment at the right of the composition, in the yellow folds above the basket, to the white table cloth at the centre of the composition, along the left edge and to the right of the composition. There are stretcher bar marks running horizontally and vertically though the composition and some fine vertical lines of craquelure to the pears at the left of the composition, and to the grapes at the centre. This work is in fairly good overall 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."