Lot 377: BERNHARD FRIES | View of Agrigento in Sicily

oil on canvas

99 by 133 cm.; 39 by 52¼ in.

oil on canvas

The canvas has not been lined. There is minor hairline craquelure, notably in the sky, and there is sign of a previous old vertical tear, circa 19cm long towards the upper left corner, which has been addressed on the reverse with a small patch. Ultra-violet light reveals small scattered spots of cosmetic retouching, primarily in the clouds in the upper left corner and along the aforementioned old tear, and some areas in the upper right side of the composition which fluoresce quite opaquely and could be associated to discoloured varnish. The painting is in otherwise good condition. Presented in a decorative gilt 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."

Possibly F. von Boetticher, Malerwerke des Neunzehnten Jahrhunderts, vol. I.1, Minden 1974, p. 351, no. 23 (where titled Girgenti).

Georg Schäfer (1896 - 1975), Schweinfurt.
His sale, Munich, Neumeister Kunstauktionen, 25 February 2005, lot 361;
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner.