Lot 160: MAXIMILIAN PFEILER | An elaborate still life of fruit and flowers piled high in an outdoor setting

oil on canvas

97 by 134.5 cm.; 38 1/8  by 52 7/8  in.

oil on canvas

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is secure and there are traces of good quality impasto in the flowers and fruit. The colours of the still life elements remain strong. There is some discoloration in the lighter tones, perhaps due to a dirty varnish. Very few small scattered retouchings can be seen by the left margin half way up. Near the right margin, half way up, two vertical bands of retouchings can be seen, both measuring approximately 12 cm. A little to the left a third band of vertical retouching measuring 9 cm is visible. These may be repairs to vertical tears. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a thick and even varnish and confirms the above retouchings and repairs, as well as revealing a horizontal band of retouching measuring 20 cm in the stone bench at the left and very few very small scattered retouching in the blue cloth. The still life elements are almost entirely free of retouchings. The work is in very good condition. The work is offered in a gilt molded frame in excellent 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."

Believed to have been in the collection of the family of the present owners for at least 35 years.