SAMUEL SIDLEY | Lady in Black

Oil on canvas, unlined, and slightly slack on the stretcher. Minor pulling is visible, especially at upper left. The surface is in generally good condition aside from stretcher bar marks; some scattered areas of craquelure, especially visible in the brush at center right and in the black dress; a minor scratch approximately 10 inches long at the hem of her black dress; and some scattered areas of uneven, dirty, drippy varnish. Under UV light, there is an area of retouching 3 inches long in the ground at lower center and a few additional scattered dots of retouching in the ground at right. The black dress remains obscured by a green fluorescing varnish though scattered, brushy retouches are visible. There is some minor florescence in the subject's proper right cheek and a dot of retouching at the tip of her nose.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.