Sale 4979
| Philadelphia
| Philadelphia
Estimate$4,000 – $6,000
ACA Galleries, Inc., New York, New York.
Christie's, New York, sale of May 22, 1980, lot 254 (as 'The Dance Studio').
Acquired directly from the above sale.
Property of the Estate of Angela Gross Folk, New Jersey.
The relined canvas in overall good condition with a shiny finish, betraying a slight excess of varnish. Examination under UV light conforms the presence of a thick layer of old greenish varnish throughout, which makes our inspection difficult. Yet, we seem to be able to identify clear areas of inpainting. See for example along the top outer edge of the work. In the upper left quadrant of the canvas, we see localized inpainting on the back of the head of the seated pianist, as well as on the curtain behind him (very minor). In the bottom left quadrant, we spot some fluorescent highlights, which we think is due to the excess of varnish rather than a sign of restoration. Yet, we see a pinpoint dot of inpainting on the ear of the feminine figure at bottom left. The central figure in red exhibits the same fluorescing highlights, which we think is due to the negative space left by the varnish (see her collarbone, waist and hair). Yet, we can identify a small area of retouching on her dress, near her bosom. To her right, in the central area, we notice restoration underneath each ballerina (under their thighs), and a few highlights on the leotard of the ballerina at left. With a few repairs (likely recent) at bottom right corner, near the signatures, which remain completely intact. At center right, the two ladies in red appear locally restored: see for example the crotch of the figure at left, the shoulder, collarbone and hair of the figure at right (small interstice between them two has been likely touched up too). Finally, scattered repairs in the upper right corner in the background. See Specialist's pictures for more details.
To request additional information or access to more images, please contact Specialist Raphael Chatroux at rchatroux@freemansauction.com
Frame: 41 1/2 x 45 1/4 x 1 1/2 in.
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To request further details about this lot, please email conditionreports@freemansauction.com
Please email conditionreports@freemansauction.com for any additional information or questions you may have