SIR MATTHEW SMITH | Fish

Acquired by the late owner in the late 1970s or early 1980s

The sheet has been laid down onto a conservation sheet. This is, in turn, affixed to the mount with two strips of adhesive tape at the upper edge. The sheet undulates slightly in places, in keeping with the Artist's materials and working methods. There is one faint horizontal crease to the lower left edge. There are a small number of instances of wear to the sheet primarily to the lower third with one or two further instances elsewhere, visible only upon close inspection. There is staining to the sheet in line with a previous mount, not visible in the present mount, and some time staining to the sheet. Some of the pigments have discoloured slightly, as is evidenced by the edges of the sheet. There are a few instances of staining and handling marks to the extreme edges, largely not visible in the present mount. This excepting, the work appears in very good overall condition. The work is window mounted and held behind glass in a 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."