Fausto Zonaro

Estate of the artist, San Remo
Private Collection, Italy (acquired from the above)
Purchased from the above by the present owner

Erol Makzume, Venti anni nel regno di Abdulhamid. Memorie e opere di Fausto Zonaro, Yapi Kredi Sermet, Istanbul, 2008, exh. cat., illustrated

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Structural Condition The canvas has been attached to a hardboard panel. The adhesion of the canvas to the panel is not stable or even and there are many undulations as well as slight creasing. To ensure longterm structural stability the canvas would need to be removed from the board, treated and lined onto a canvas and a new stretcher. This would be a lengthy process but should ensure long-term structural stability. Paint surface The paint surface has a very discoloured and yellow varnish layer and cleaning (once the canvas has been stabilised and secured by lining onto a secondary canvas) should result in a considerable colour change. A number of retouchings are visible under ultra-violet light, predominately in the upper right of the sky. These retouchings are undoubtedly larger than is necessary and, if removed, could be considerably reduced. Summary The paint surface has therefore been unsympathetically treated in the past and requires both structural treatment as well as cleaning, restoration and revarnishing.
"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."

Zonaro's view over the Bosphorus from Rumelihisari towards Bebek and the fortress of Anadolu Hissar shows what are probably the grounds of one of the country residences or yalis belonging to the Grand Viziers, pashas, governors and other distinguished citizens whose responsibilities included furnishing the Sultan's harem with the new generation of women slaves or cariye.

The present work relates closely to another oil of this subject (sold: Sotheby's, London, 14 November 2007, lot 326).