Original canvas, the tacking edges have been taped over with brown paper. There is a dent in the canvas to the shoulder of the old man standing on the left with associated circular cracks. There are lifting cracks in places, notably to the man's shirt, the old woman's headscarf, to the throat, blouse and headscarf of the woman on the right and to the face and neck of the young man in the centre. There are also deep cracks in the lower half of the composition and around the light bulb. Areas of paint loss are visible in the nose and headscarf of the old woman, the throat of the woman in red and crude retouchings are visible to the losses to the right of the lamp and below the signature. There is a layer of surface dirt. Inspection under UV light does not reveal any other obvious signs of retouching. Held in a decorative modern frame. Unexamined out of frame.
"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."