André Lhote

Jules Supervielle (acquired directly from the artist)
Thence by descent

The canvas is relined. Close examination reveals some very minor hairline craquelure in the foreground. Under UV light four small spots of retouching fluoresce in the ground and in the bush towards the lower left corner with some tiny dots along the lower and right edge. Otherwise this work is in very 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."

From early on, André Lhote was fascinated by Spain, its landscapes, its culture but also its artists, both Old Masters and Modern, whom he profoundly admired. The present work, painted in refined, sombre tones that recall the countryside around Toledo, is testament to this attraction which would lead him a few years later, in the 1930s, to embark upon a lengthy trip to Spain at the beginning of the Franco regime. This journey brought him back to the splendid city of Toledo “in order to make a list of all these extraordinary beauties, half of which have already disappeared” (IMEC, Fonds Jean Paulhan, Lettres d’André Lhote à Jean Paulhan, Lettre du 11 août 1932). This canvas puts into practice the principles Lhote was developing on landscape painting, that he would later transcribe in his Traité du paysage (1939).