FRANCISCO NARVÁEZ | Paisaje

Alfredo Boulton, Caracas
VIASA (Venezolana Internacional de Aviación Sociedad Anónima) Collection, Caracas (acquired from the above and sold: Subastas Odalys, Caracas, Subasta Colección VIASA, October 12, 1997, lot 44)
Acquired at the above sale

Caracas, Sala Eugenia Mendoza, 1966, n.n. 
Caracas, Galería de Arte Nacional, Obras de la colección, 1979, n.n. 
Caracas, Museo Francisco Narváez, El Volumen y su huella, 1980, n.n.

Rafael Pineda, Escultura y pintura de Francisco Narváez, Caracas, 1968, mentioned p. 74
Fundación Narváez, Registro General de la Obra de Francisco Narváez, Caracas, 2000, no. OL-157, illustrated p. 99

This work is in very good condition. The canvas has never been removed from its original stretcher. The paint layer is stable. It may be slightly dirty, but is attractive. Although some colors read strongly under ultraviolet light, no retouches are apparent. The work seems to be undamaged and should be hung in its current state. (This condition report has been provided courtesy of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.)
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.

Paisaje depicts the family home of prominent Venezuelan intellectual, Alfredo Boulton. A gift from the artist, Mr. Boulton donated the painting to the corporate art collection of VIASA, the highly lucrative national airline of Venezuela and once the largest in Latin America. Considered one of the most important pieces in this prestigious art collection, Paisaje hung in the office of the President of VIASA who was often photographed beside it. Once a symbol of national pride and a model of good management, by 1975 VIASA had entered a period of financial difficulty largely due to rising fuel costs and union problems. After being nationalized in the late 1970s under the government of Carlos Andrés Pérez, the airline ceased operations in January 1997. Bankrupt, it was forced to sell its impressive art collection at auction. In recognition of its symbolic significance, Paisaje was selected as the cover of the auction catalogue and achieved the highest price in the sale. In so doing, it concluded an illustrious chapter in the history of Venezuelan aviation, a once renowned and admired industry. 

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Fundación Francisco Narváez signed by Lucas González, dated 28 de agosto de 2017, and with certificate number 2017-214.