Giovanni Battista Torriglia Italian, 1858-1937

Agnew & Sons, London
Sale: Christie's, London, 24 November 1989, lot 100
Purchased by the present owner at the above sale

The canvas has been relined. There are a few scattered spots of cosmetic retouching to the background visible under ultraviolet light, and also notably to the clothes of the baby lying on the floor and the hair of the seated lady with her back to the viewer. The paint surface is overall in good condition, clean and ready to hang. Held in a simple gilt wood 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."

One of the most celebrated Italian genre painters of the nineteenth century, Torriglia sought to capture a timeless expression of the happiness of family life.

His sympathetic observations of humble domestic interiors serve to celebrate the importance of simple and pure family values. Like his contemporaries Gaetano Chierici (lot 317) and Eugenio Zampighi (lot 316), Torriglia was keen to show that happiness was not dependent on material wealth, clearly portrayed through the cheerful healthy children delighting in simple yet joyous activities.

With the grandmother, daughter, and grandchildren winding the skein, and even the infant great-grandchild playing with the yarn, all four generations are literally connected by the thread of life.