RAOUL DUFY | L'Hôtel de Ville de Marseille

Paul Poiret, Paris (acquired by 1923; probably from the artist) 
Sale: Galerie Charpentier, Paris, 4th April 1957, lot 5
Private Collection, United Kingdom
Thence by descent to the present owner

Paris, Galerie Barbazanges, La Collection particulière de M. Paul Poiret, 1923, no. 51

Fanny Guillon-Laffaille, Raoul Dufy Catalogue raisonné des aquarelles, gouaches et pastels, Paris, 1981, vol. I, no. 142, illustrated p. 54

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down. The sheet is affixed to a backing board along all four edges. The left and right edges are deckled. The sheet is time-stained and there is a faint mount stain along the edges with some scattered specks of foxing in places. There are a few minor scuffs visible along the upper edge and a small spot of surface abrasion towards the centre of the sheet. The pencil under-drawing is visible in places, notably in the lower half of the composition. Only the 'L' of the artist's first name is visible in the signature. This work is in fairly good stable 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."