Philippe Leclerc, Lille (acquired between 1945-60)
Private Collection, France (sale: Sotheby's, Paris, 3rd July 2007, lot 33)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Executed on cream laid paper which has been laid down on a sheet of Japan paper which is in turn affixed to the mount with tape in three places along the upper edge. The edges are unevenly cut in places. The sheet is time stained and the pigments are very slightly faded. There are some flattened creases and some small nicks in places along the extreme edges. There are three tiny repaired tears along the upper edge, the longest of which is approx. 1.5cm. long. There is a vertical flattened fold within the paper which runs down the entire height of the centre of the composition. 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."

‘[Derain] strives to organize his structures in such a way that the painting, though strongly unified, nevertheless shows the greatest possible fidelity to nature, with every object being given its true form and true colour.’
Daniel-Henri Kahnweiler
(quoted in André Derain (exhibition catalogue),  Wildenstein & Co., London, 1957, p. XIV)

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the Comité Derain.