Ángel Zárraga (1886-1946)

Private Collection, Paris
Sale: Christie's, New York, Important Latin American Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture, May 16, 1996, lot 63, illustrated in color
Private Collection, New York

This oil on panel has been cleaned and varnished. The cleaning and varnish are not particularly impressive. In the fawn table top in the lower portion of the picture, there are some rather broad and heavy handed restorations, which can certainly be removed and replaced, perhaps with very little, if any, retouching. The signature appears to be original. Under ultraviolet light, the fluorescence is slightly uneven in the background around the still life, in the vase in the still life, and in the pink book on the table. Given the heavy handed nature of the restoration on the tabletop, there may be other broad, cosmetic retouches that are not original. However, it seems that the condition is actually very good. The cleaning is uneven, but there does not seem to have been any abrasion. The re-glazing that may exist is probably completely unnecessary for the most part. It is recommended that the picture be cleaned to return it to its original state, which would leave the picture considerably healthier and more attractive than it is at present. (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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.