Fausto Zonaro

Acquired by the family of the present owner prior to 1930; thence by descent

The canvas has not been lined, and there is a faint horizontal stretcher mark corresponding to the upper stretcher bar. The painting's surface is quite dirty and its appearance could be greatly improved with a light professional surface clean. Under ultra-violet light the work's appearance is somewhat difficult to read given the old varnish layers; there are some possible strokes of retouching along the left framing edge and in the green canopy of the tent, however there do not appear to be other notable retouchings. This painting is in good condition. Presented in a decorative gilt frame.
"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."

The present work relates to Zonaro's larger composition depicting Bayram in Istanbul (see note to lot 6). A print after this work, with some minor compositional variations, was included in Fausto Zonaro and Adolphe Thalasso's publication Déri Sé'adet ou Stamboul Porte du Bonheur: Scènes de la Vie turque, published in Paris in 1908 (see Osman Öndeş & Erol Makzume, Fausto Zonaro: Ottoman Court Painter, Istanbul, 2003, p. 351).