VILHELM HAMMERSHØI | THE COURTYARD, STRANDGADE 30

Property from a Private American Collection
VILHELM HAMMERSHØI
Copenhagen 1864 - 1916
THE COURTYARD, STRANDGADE 30

oil on canvas
35 by 25 cm.; 14 by 10 in.
Painted in 1899.

Condition Report:
The following condition report has been prepared by Hamish Dewar Ltd., 13 and 14 Mason's Yard, St James', London, SW1Y 6BU:

UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Structural Condition
The canvas is unlined and is securely attached to what certainly appears to be the artist's original keyed wooden stretcher. This is providing a stable structural support. The canvas slightly undulates in the places. This is only clearly visible when the painting is inspected in raking light. It is obviously most encouraging to find the canvas in its original unlined state.

Paint Surface
The paint surface has an even, discoloured varnish layer.
There is a tiny paint loss above the centre right of the lower edge.
Inspected under ultraviolet light confirms the discoloured varnish layer.
Inspected under ultraviolet light also shows small scattered retouchings which have a yellow fluorescence, including:
1) a retouching covering two window panes in the upper right corner,
2) a horizontal line of retouchings with associated small spots towards the centre of the right edge,
3) an area of very small retouchings in the lower right corner and some further very small retouchings above the centre of the lower edge,
4) very minor retouchings within the centre and the lower centre of the composition, and
5) very minor spots and lines of retouching on and close to the extreme edges of the composition.

Summary
The painting would therefore appear to be in good and stable condition and would benefit
from cleaning, restoration and revarnishing.

"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."

Provenance:
Fru Ellen Heymann, by 1918;

Sale, Christie's, London, 29 March 1990, lot 138;

Purchased at the above sale by the present owner.