Alphonse-Etienne Dinet

Oil on board. The board is flat and even . There are two very fine light scratches, one in the foliage in the upper right visible in the catalogue illustration. There is a tiny spot of paint flaking on the distant trunk to the right. Under ultraviolet light the varnish fluoresces evenly and there appear to be a few small spots of retouching, notably in the trunk to the left. This painting is in good, virtually original condition and would benefit from a surface clean as the surface is quite dirty and the varnish yellowed. 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."

Le voyage en Algérie d'Alphonse-Etienne Dinet en 1885 fut déterminant pour son art. Il y retourna à de nombreuses reprises et se laissa imprégner par les paysages et les moeurs de ce pays. Il découvrit plusieurs oasis du Sud algérien, surtout Laghouat où il séjourna longuement. L'une des oeuvres majeures qui résultent de ce séjour s'intitule les Terrasses de Laghouat datée de 1885 (musée d'Orsay).