The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.: This work is generally in good condition. The canvas is lined. The lining is good, although the heavy paint layer has developed slightly raised cracking. Some bituminous cracking has developed in the very dark colors in the lower center. The surface seems to be more or less clean. There are a few random retouches in the sky, none of which are significant. The darker colors in the foreground read very strongly under ultraviolet light, and retouches cannot be identified under ultraviolet light or with the naked eye.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."