Konstantin Andreevich Somov

The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's:

Structural Condition

The canvas is unlined and is securely attached to a four member, keyed wooden stretcher. The tacking and turnover edges have been reinforced with a lightweight strip-lining. This is ensuring an even and stable structural support.

Paint Surface

The paint surface has an even varnish layer. There are faint stretcher bar lines corresponding to the four stretcher members. These are entirely stable and are not visually distracting. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows a number of small scattered retouchings, including: 1) a retouching within the upper left of the settee and a few small retouchings within the upper left of the screen, 2) a very small retouching within the lower left corner of the screen and several minor retouchings within the rug, 3) a small spot of retouching within a leg of the table in the lower right, and 4) a minor retouching within the upper right of the screen and a few very small retouchings on the extreme edges. Other very small spots and lines of inpainting are also visible.

Summary

The painting would therefore appear to be in very good and stable 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."