The Artist's Estate, from whom acquired directly by David Bowie

Peter Cannon-Brookes, Michael Ayrton, An Illustrated Commentary, Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery, 1978, cat. no.35, illustrated p.78.

Not examined out of the frame. The board appears sound. The board has been affixed to the backing board with nails and in places around the edges and along the centre of the work those nail heads are visible, with associated cracking to the paint. In the lower left and upper right corners there is some slight rounding to the board and some small flecks of loss. There are some very fine lines of cracking to some of the thicker areas of paint, most noticeable to the central vertical belt. There is one small and shallow fleck of loss to an upper tip of white impasto in the centre of the work. At the right vertical edge there is some slight uneveness to the surface of the paint. There is some minor surface dirt and traces of studio detritus and matter, but subject to the above the work is in very good overall condition. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals no obvious signs of retouching or restoration. The work is held within a gilt wood rebate within a gilt painted wood box frame with a linen slip under glass. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."