William Merritt Chase

Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York
Paul Magriel, New York

New York, National Academy of Design; The Mead Art Museum, Amherst College, American Figure Drawings: The Paul Magriel Collection, November 8, 1979-March 10, 1980, no. 7, illustrated in the catalogue

Ronald G. Pisano, William Merritt Chase: The Complete Catalogue of Known and Documented Work/The Paintings in Pastel, Monotypes, Painted Tiles and Ceramic Plates, Watercolors and Prints, New Haven and London, 2006, vol. 1, no. W.7, illustrated pp. 72-3

While the painted area looks fresh and vibrant, the background area of the sheet is soiled: there is scattered foxing, heavy staining, and the edges are brittle and very worn; scattered losses and small tears all along the edges, with stains of old glue along the lower edge. Sheet is hinged to backing with pieces of white linen tape along the upper edge verso.
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.

Chase executed the present work in 1881 as a commission for Scribner's Monthly; the image was engraved by Frederick Juengling in the same year. It appeared in The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine's November 1889 edition to illustrate the article, "Street Life in Madrid," by Susan N. Carter.