Konstantin Ivanovich Gorbatov

Franz Neubert, Kaiserslautern, Germany
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 1972

Original canvas. There is a layer of surface dirt. There are some minor frame abrasions along the right edge. UV light reveals minor areas of retouching along the edge of the lower right quadrant. Held in a wooden frame. Unexamined out of 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."

Charmed by Italy’s romantic aesthetics and inspired by its warmth and light, the Post-Impressionist artist Konstantin Gorbatov created some of his most accomplished paintings while living on the island of Capri in the early 1920s. Gorbatov and his wife emigrated to Berlin in 1926, but he returned annually to Italy until the beginning of World War II. The monumental Boats in a Harbour, dated 1928, is an exquisite example of Gorbatov’s strength as a colourist and his bold mastery of light and shadow. The work was acquired by a distinguished American collector and art history professor during his travels through Germany in 1972, and the painting has hung in his carefully curated private collection in the United States for the past forty years.