- 12
Joaquín Sorolla
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Gitana
- dedicated, signed and dated A mi amigo Blanco / J. Sorolla / 1903 lower right
- oil on canvas
- 50 by 39.5cm., 19½ by 15½in.
Provenance
Mr Blanco (a gift from the artist, his friend)
Acquired by the father of the present owner in 1977
Acquired by the father of the present owner in 1977
Condition
The canvas has not been lined. There is some scattered drying craquelure notably in the dark pigments in the background in the upper left quadrant, including some very small spots of flaking in the more intense blue brushstroke, some of which are not visible in the catalogue illustration. These appear to be somewhat unstable and might benefit from some consolidation. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals no visible sign of retouching. This works is in good original condition and is ready to hang.
Presented in a George I stule silver wooden frame with a beige inner slip and a nameplate.
Colours are softer and somewhat less bright than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Painted in 1903, the present work is among Sorolla's earliest depictions of a gypsy, a subject which would come to occupy so central a place in Spanish art, notably in the work of his contemporaries Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa (lot 14) and Ignacio Zuloaga. Restricting his colour palette largely to soft greys and ochres and painting with his usual gestural brushstrokes, Sorolla evokes a powerful and earthy portrait of a mantilla-clad gitana. Sorolla famously elaborated on the theme while working on his Vision of Spain series, inspired by Spain’s different traditional costumes and people.
We are grateful to Blanca Pons-Sorolla for her assistance in cataloguing this work, which will be included in her forthcoming Sorolla catalogue raisonné (BPS 1431).
We are grateful to Blanca Pons-Sorolla for her assistance in cataloguing this work, which will be included in her forthcoming Sorolla catalogue raisonné (BPS 1431).