Gabriel de la Corte

Both paintings are slightly more muted in tone and less acidic in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. Both canvases have been relined but a nice impasto remains intact. The paint surfaces are in fair overall condition. In both, the canvas weave is visible in the darker pigments as a result of the relining process. In the first (illustrated at the top in the catalogue), the varnish has started to slightly blanch, centre right. There is also a spidery uneven craquelure overall which has resulted in some minor losses i.e. in the flowers centre left, and in the background lower right. There is also abrasion apparent at the canvas edges, the base of the vase and in the upper right, some of which can be seen in the catalogue illustration, and some minor discoloured retouching lower left in the background visible under a raking light In the second (illustrated at the bottom in the catalogue), the varnish is blanching slightly in the lower right. A stretcher bar mark is visible running along the top most canvas edge. There is a minor loss upper left, minor abrasion at the canvas edges, and more pronounced abrasions in the upper right and centre right which are visible in the catalogue illustration. Examination of the first under ultraviolet light reveals old but extensive retouching most noticeable in the architectonic forms lower right, however this has been masked by a milk discoloured varnish. There has been a more recent campaign of retouching concentrated in the outer flowers of the upper left. Examination of the second under ultraviolet reveals much of the same. Old retouching overall but most concentrated to the left and right edges, and some more recent and much more minor work to the flowers upper left. Again a thick milky varnish predominates. Offered in matching plain gilt wood frames with minor scattered losses.
"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."

A smaller but very comparable pair of still lifes was offered in these Rooms, 3 December 2008, lot 47.  The motif of the sculpted vases with dancing figures is re-used in both pairs, although the second vase in each pair and the flower arrangements are entirely different.  It is likely that De la Corte kept a number of vases as studio props to re-use in various compositions.