The sheet is attached to the mount with adhesive tape around all four edges of the reverse of the sheet. The sheet undulates slightly in places, but otherwise appears sound. There are Artist's pinholes visible around the edges of the sheet. There is a small vertical tear apparent towards the right side of the upper horizontal edge, and there is some creasing visible along the upper edge. There is a small crease or handling mark to the paper at the orange pigment of the figure's left shoulder. There are some handling marks apparent around the edges of the sheet in places, most apparent along the upper edges. There is some uneveness to the sheet apparent towards the lower side of the right vertical edge, and towards the right side of the lower horizontal edge. There are some very small flecks of loss to some of the oil pastel in places, most apparent to the white oil pastel of the figure's clothing and the creamy-yellow oil pastel of the background, just above the figure's left shoulder and to the left of his face. There is a very slight horizontal scuff to the orange chalk in the lower left corner, which may have occurred in the Artist's studio. There is some old possible glue staining in the lower right corner. Subject to the above, the work appears to be in very good overall condition, with strong and bright passages of chalk and oil pastel throughout. The work is window mounted and presented in a simple wooden frame, held under glass. 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."