Agustin Esteve y Marques

Acquired by the Conde de Casa Rojas during the early part of the 20th century;
Thence by family descent.

The painting has a firm relining with a somewhat patchy and discoloured varnish. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye bar a 1x1inch restored damage in the lower right of the sitters neck, and a campaign of retouchings in the background are visible as they are now discoloured. These retouchings are scattered through the background of the left side of the painting, particularly to the left of the sitters right shoulder, and around the margins where the painting seems to have suffered a degree of frame abrasion. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals a streaky and opaque varnish, the aforementioned restorations are visible, but earlier work under the varnish is hard to make out but it is possible there are a few earlier retouchings beneath that varnish, although it does seem this painting is in good overall 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."

This is a reduced version of Esteve’s full-length portrait of the Condesa de Castro Terrano in the H.M. Young Memorial Museum, San Francisco.¹

1. M.S. Soria, Agustín Esteve y Goya, Valencia 1957, p. 115, cat. 82, reproduced fig. 63.