The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: The work is in excellent condition and should be hung in its current state. The canvas has a non-wax lining which is nicely supporting the paint layer. The work is varnished and retouched. Under ultraviolet light, no retouches are visible. While there a few retouches in the extreme right edge and across the top edge, there do not seem to be any other retouches around the other edges or within the remainder of the painting. However, there are a few areas of instability in the paint layer: in the crowd above the brown haired girl with the white sweater, in the right and left hand of the little girl with the blue skirt, in the black hat of the woman in the blue behind the figure in the orange cardigan and in the right hand boot of the male figure behind the head of the donkey in the center left. There is a small loss in the left knee and the blue skirt of the figure on the left. In the merry-go-round horse, ridden by the girl in the red coat, there are 2 small losses and small areas of instability. There are also a couple of small retouches in the roof of the merry-go-round in the upper left.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.