Marc Decoster, "Portrait of a Gentleman with a Cigarette," 1902, oil on canvas, possibly Czar Nicholas II of Russia, signed and dated l.l., presented in a carved giltwood frame, H.- 50 1/2 in., W.- 34 3/4 in.

Condition consistent with age. Not examined out of the frame. Some light craquelure on the hands, forehead, cigarette, and white shirt sleeves and collar. There is a 4” circular section of craquelure to the left of the figure’s head. Some inpainting is visible throughout the canvas under black light inspection, including an 8” strip in the background along the center left edge and some spots along the proper right edge of the figure’s face. A later varnish/top coat is visible on the surface of the canvas under black light inspection. Very clean overall look. A highly skilled portrait. ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD “AS IS.” NO STATEMENT REGARDING CONDITION OF ANY ITEM, WHETHER IT IS MADE ORALLY AT THE AUCTION OR ANY OTHER TIME, OR IN WRITING IN THE CATALOGUE OR ELSEWHERE, SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A WARRANTY, REPRESENTATION, OR ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITY.