"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The canvas is lined and the paint surface is raised but stable. The paint layer has been abraded, though, and subsequently these 'topped' areas have been strengthened (under U-V lighting there is a scattering of these retouchings across the surface, particularly to the background and the dark diagonal shadow here). The foreground has been heavily restored, also the black cloth under the table and the chair of the seated figure far left. Some of the figures are in a good condition with minor pin-prick losses to the flesh tones and the white table cloth. Removing the discoloured varnish would improve the tonality. Offered in a tortoise shell frame, good condition."
"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."