José María Sert

Dr Antoni Puigvert
Acquired from the above by the family of the present owner in 1987

Madrid, Palacio de Velázquez, Parque del Retiro, José María Sert 1874-1945, 1987, p. 166, discussed

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Structural Condition The artist's panel is secured on the reverse with horizontal and vertical cross-bars and has a framing slip attached to the outer framing edges. There would appear to have been some structural problems in the past but the painting now seems to be secure and stable. Paint surface The paint surface has a number of horizontal and vertical lines which are slightly raised and may be as a result of the gessoed ground layers being applied in sections. Some of these slightly raised lines have been retouched and these retouchings, together with other small scattered retouchings, are visible in natural light as they have slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows these retouchings and a number of other scattered areas of inpainting which appear to cover lines of craquelure and small paint losses. Summary The painting therefore appears to be in reasonably good condition and no further work is required at present for reasons of conservation.
"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."

The present work is one of twelve that Sert executed in 1932 for the Gobelins tapestry workshop in Paris that depict scenes from Spanish literature.