Fernand Renard (French, 1912-1990) Still Life with Fruit, Flowers, and Butterflies

Fernand Renard (French, 1912-1990) Still Life with Fruit, Flowers, and Butterflies Signed "Renard" l. r., inscribed "No. 4" on the stretcher. Oil on canvas, 19 5/8 x 24 in. (50.0 x 61.0 cm), framed. Condition: Minor old retouch to background, craquelure, surface grime. Provenance: Skinner, Inc., American & European Works of Art, September 19, 2014, Sale 2750B, Lot 599. Estimate $3,000-5,000 French customs stamp on the reverse and a label from Cirkers' Warehouses on the stretcher. There is a small area of retouch in the upper left corner, triangular in shape, fitting into the corner and measuring 1-1/2 inches across the diagonal. Minor varnish inconsistencies and spots to the background which might suggest retouch but which do not fluoresce under UV examination. These appear as matt areas and are more noticeable in the background around the white flower that arches from the vase into the center, and there are a couple of spots around the topmost pink flower. Slight rippling to canvas. Minor frame abrasion. The surface craquelure appears to be intentional and in keeping with the artist's aesthetic emulating Dutch 17th century still lifes. Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.