Emiliano di Cavalcanti (1897-1967)

Private Collection, Brazil

This painting seems to be in almost perfect condition. The canvas has never been removed from its original stretcher. The paint layer is undamaged and there do not appear to be any retouches. The surface seems to have been varnished since it was painted but beneath this layer of varnish there may be a layer of dirt, so although the painting could be hung as is, it will respond to cleaning. This condition report has been provided courtesy of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.
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.
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Di Cavalcanti was one of the exponents of Brazilian modernism, which came to life with the Semana de Arte Moderna (Week of Modern Art) of 1922.  A festival that included dance, literature, poetry and arts, it proposed the "cannibalization" of the predominant European stylistic influences; thus radically re-interpreting the concept of cultural influence.  Though Brazilian modern art can be seen as a reflection of, for instance, Cubism and German Expressionism, it also significantly ingested and transformed these into something distinctly personal and national.  This was the case of Di Cavalcanti, whose reinterpretation of such tendencies would be a result of his first years in Paris, between 1923 and 1925, when he directly experienced the modernist movement through his friendships with Picasso, Matisse, Braque and Léger.

The present Still Life depicts a bountiful feast with fruits, fish and wine, and is a perfect example of the artist's universal aesthetic and unparalleled technique.  The painter emphasizes the flat surface of the composition, making use of the cubist vocabulary of geometric shapes and colors while maintaining a complete adherence to the figural representations.  He applies vibrant colors to provide balance and rhythm to the canvas.  Two bottles stand guard to the left before an open window in front of which are placed a compote overflowing with luscious fruit and two freshly-caught fish.  Beyond the window we see the Bohemian, lyrical and sensual countryside, just at sunset – the moment when fishermen come home to their villages, anxious wives awaiting their safe return, hopefully bringing a good day's catch.