Lot 22: VLADIMIR LUKICH BOROVIKOVSKY | Portrait of Ardalion Petrovich Novosiltsev 

oil on canvas

73 by 60.3cm, 29 by 23 3/4 in.

oil on canvas

Structural Condition The canvas appears unlined and is securely attached to a keyed wooden stretcher. This is providing an even and stable structural support. There are two inscriptions and a stamp on the reverse of the canvas. There is evidence of several old repairs to the canvas visible on the reverse. Paint Surface The paint surface has an even varnish layer. There is a pattern of drying craquelure throughout the composition. This appears entirely stable and is not visually distracting. There are some thin slightly raised horizontal lines of craquelure most notably in the upper right of the composition and below the upper horizontal edge, some slightly raised lines in the lower part of the composition and a thin diagonal line in the upper left corner. These all appear stable at present. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows small, scattered retouchings within the sitter's face, scattered retouchings and strengthening within his jacket, scattered retouchings within the background and trees and in the lower right corner of the composition and some retouchings corresponding to the lines of slightly raised craquelure mentioned above. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in good and stable condition.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Sotheby's London, The Russian Sale, 14 December 1995, lot 104
Collection of John Stuart, London