ANTONIO MARÍA FABRÉS Y COSTA | A Gift for the Favourite

Private collection, USA (by 2000)
Purchased from the above by the present owner

The panel is somewhat convex at its upper and lower framing edges. There are some signs of frame rubbing along the extreme framing edges, mostly covered by the frame, with some associated spots of paint loss. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals intermittent strokes of retouching along the four framing edges and some scattered pin-head sized spots of retouching, including in the man's sleeve, head and beard, in the woman's hair and in the background in the upper right quadrant. It should be noted the latter have somewhat discoloured and are also visible upon close inspection. Otherwise, this work presents well and is overall in good condition. This work is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame.
"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."

Having trained as a sculptor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Barcelona, in 1875 Antonio Fabrés y Costa was awarded a scholarship to complete his training in Rome. In Italy, the artist was deeply influenced by the work of other Spanish artists working in Rome at the time, including José Villegas and Mariano Fortuny whose orientalist subjects had met with great success amongst collectors. Fabrés hence abandoned sculpture and started a successful career as a painter, focusing on both Orientalist subjects and insightful social portraits. In 1892, the artist settled in Paris before moving to Mexico as head of the paintings department at The Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City. He moved back to Rome in 1907, and lived there for the remainder of his life.