Giovanni Migliara

With A.S. Drey, München (established c. 1864);
Acquired from the above by Hedwig Ullmann, Frankfurt-am-Main in 1927;
Thence by descent to the present owners

The canvas has a tight relining which has somewhat flattened the paint surface, which is dirty and under a discoloured varnish.The paint surface appears somewhat pressed in the darker tones upper left and in the trees. Inspection under UV light reveals some scattered retouchings. Removal of the rpesent varnsih and application of a new one would improve the overall tonality. Offered in a carved wood frame in 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."

Albert Ullmann of Frankfurt-am-Main and his wife, Hedwig, were distinguished Jewish art collectors and amassed a significant collection, including German polychrome wooden sculptures, Old Master and modern paintings, and porcelain from the 15^th and 16^th centuries. Their paintings collection included outstanding examples of works by Cranach, della Robbia, Courbet, Manet, Van Gogh, Leibl, Trübner, Thoma, Segantini, Liebermann, Uhde and Spitzweg, often acquired when these artists were still relatively unrecognised by the art world and critical community.

Albert Ullmann died in 1912 and left behind his widow and their two sons, who had to flee Germany for Italy during the 1930s due to Nazi persecution. By decree in 1938, the Nazi regime required all Jews who resided within the Reich, or who were nationals of the Reich and held assets above a certain value, to register these assets. Hedwig Ullmann and her two adult sons was forced to do so in 1938 in Milan and, as a result, lost substantial parts of their art collection. In 1939, Hedwig and her sons fled Europe and settled in Melbourne, Australia.

This painting, and lots 7 and 195 come from the surviving Ullmann collection.