CHAÏM SOUTINE | Les Moutons

Philippe Bemberg, Paris & Lausanne
Thence by descent to the present owner

The panel is sound. There is a milky varnish preventing UV light from fully penetrating, however examination under UV light appears to reveal a line of retouching running vertically across the left part of the composition, with an associated thin line of crack visible to the naked eye, and a few further tiny dots of retouching in places, notably in the green pigment towards the sheep's proper forelegs and towards the centre of the right edge. There is some minor abrasion, with associated flecks of paint losses, along the extreme edges. There are pinholes towards the lower left corner, towards the left part of the lower edge and to the lower right quadrant (approx. 5 cm from lower edge and 11 cm from right edge). There are a few dots of minor paint losses in places, notably to the centre of the left edge, towards the left part of the lower edge and to the lower left quadrant (approx. 15 cm from left edge and 15 cm from lower edge). There is some stable paint shrinkage, most predominately in the dark green pigment towards the centre of the composition. There are a few scattered fly spots. Impasto is nice and well preserved. This work is in overall good 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."

This painting will be included in the forthcoming Volume III of the Chaïm Soutine Catalogue Raisonne by Maurice Tuchman and Esti Dunow, currently in preparation.