The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

This report was prepared by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.:
This work is painted on paper which was lined onto linen using a non-wax adhesive. In addition to this old lining, a more recent lining has been applied to the reverse with wax as an adhesive. Bierstadt incorporated marble dust into his gesso, giving the surface a slightly rough texture. Some tiny light colored specks from the marble dust have received small retouches, particularly in the water. Under ultraviolet light, the lower left corner including the signature, the elk and some of the paint layer surrounding the animal fluoresce quite strongly, but this darker pigment does not seem to correspond to restoration. The painting is slightly dirty. If it is cleaned, a few tiny retouches would be required to diminish the tiny white specks where they are most noticeable.