- 24
GYULA TORNAI | Elephants in a Procession
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
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Description
- Gyula Tornai
- Elephants in a Procession
- signed and dated TORNAI GY. 1908. lower left
- oil on canvas
- 90 by 115cm., 35½ by 45¼in.
Provenance
Private collection, Hungary
Purchased by the present owner from the above in circa 2006
Purchased by the present owner from the above in circa 2006
Condition
The canvas has not been lined and is securely attached to a keyed wooden stretcher. There are some isolated lines of hairline craquelure, notably in the right hand side of the composition. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals an even layer of residual varnish which makes the surface quite difficult to read. However, some isolated spots of cosmetic retouching addressing old paint flaking are visible, including one small spot in the sky and some spots in the ground closer to the right had side. A circa 10cm stroke is also visible in the floor closer to the centre of the lower framing edge. Overall, this work appears to be in good condition and is ready to hang. Presented in dark, decorative, wooden 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Born in Görgö, Hungary, Tornai studied in Vienna, Munich and Budapest under Hans Makart. He lived ten years in Morocco 1890-1900, capturing the local people and costumes in big format canvas which gained him international recognition. The sale of a large number of his works at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris provided him with the financial support for an extensive trip to Asia, through China, Japan and India which, in turn, was a source of inspiration for his later paintings, including the present work.