Fernando Álvarez de Sotomayor El Ferrol 1875-Madrid 1960

A gift from the artist to the present owners

Fundación Pedro Barrié de la Maza, Fernando A. de Sotomayor, 2004, p. 221, no. 74, illustrated

The panel is sound. There are a few scattered cosmetic retouchings visible under ultraviolet light, notably to the white wall in the central background and in the upper left corner. Apart from a few minor frame abrasions the work is overall in good condition. Held in a simple ebonised wooden frame.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Painted circa 1949, the present work exemplifies Sotomayor's paintings of pious worship in his native Galicia.

A pupil of the history painter and portraitist, Manuel Domínguez y Sánchez, Sotomayor studied in Madrid at the San Fernando Academy. At the age of 24 he travelled to Rome, France and Holland. With a gathering reputation as a young artist of note, on a visit to his native Galicia in 1905 his interest in the region was re-awakened. Thereafter his work centred on the essential truths to be found in the local communities, the moral strength of the people with whom he came into contact and the beauty of the local landscape.

In 1907 he travelled to Chile where he became director of the Escuela de Bellas Artes in Santiago, a post that he retained until 1911. In 1929 he was appointed Director of the Prado, and thereafter Director of the Real Academia de San Fernando, Madrid.