Umberto Bellotto

Private Collection, Washington D.C.
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Marino Barovier, Attilia Drogato, and Dan Klein, L’Arte dei Barovier Vetrai di Murano 1866-1972, Venice, 1993, pp. 87-89 (related models illustrated)
Franco Deboni, Murano 900, Milan, 1996, pp. 108-109 (related models illustrated)
Marino Barovier, American Art Glass, 1840-1970, Vicenza, 2004, pp. 71-73 (related models illustrated)

The colors in the photograph in the printed catalogue appear slightly dull – in reality they are rich and more vibrant, and closer to the color shown of the murrines in the detail photograph of the work. There is a professionally restored undulating crack that appears to run around the circumference of the eggplant purple glass border. In two areas - one approximately 2 inches long and one approximately 4 inches long – this crack passes through the yellow murrines to the inner edge of the purple border. The purple border has some touching in with purple stain to hide the crack. There is also some touching in with orange stain/paint, some to the areas where the crack passes through the yellow murrines. The main central panel where the center of the murrine design is located does not appear to have damage or restoration. The outer pierced metal frame has overall oxidation and some minor kinks. At the top of the pierced frame behind which the original hanging bracket is attached, there is a 2 inch long section of frame that has had an earlier weld repair. The mounting bracket to the reverse remains intact and stable. Overall in our opinion the panel presents well, with good color and a strong arrangement of abstract murrines. This represents a rare opportunity to acquire a scarce work by Umberto Bellotto.
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.