José María Sert 1874 - 1945

Dr Antoni Puigvert
Acquired from the above by the family of the present owner in 1987

London, Thomas Agnew & Sons, Exhibition of two decorations and some sketches by J.M. Sert, 1920
Barcelona and Madrid, Caixa de Barcelona, José María Sert. Collecció Dr. A. Puigvert 1874-1945, 1986
Madrid, Palacio  de Velázquez, Parque del Retiro, José María Sert 1874-1945, 1987

Alberto del Castillo and Alexandre Cirici, José María Sert. Su vida y su obra, Barcelona & Buenos Aires, 1947, pp. 88-92, discussed

Unexamined out of frame and under glass, the sheet has been laid onto board, and is in good condition apart from some pinholes to the extreme corners of the work. Apart from scattered craquelure notably to the darker areas of pigment, this work is in overall good condition.
"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."

The present work is a study for the dining room of Sir Saxton Noble's country house, Wretham Hall, the decoration of which was finished by Sert in 1919. Sert called the whole group Los recuerdos maravillosos, as he painted them during the last year of World War I as an escape from the horrors of the time.