Jean Discart

Private collection, UK

The panel is flat and even. There is a circa 7cm horizontal hairline split on the left framing edge (also visible on the back of the panel), as visible in the catalogue illustration. Two fine, horizontal scratches are also visible running across the panel - however these are not visually distracting and appear to be superficial. Ultra-violet light reveals some strokes of retouching along the extreme framing edges, addressing some frame rubbing, and a finely applied line of in-painting to the above mentioned split. Otherwise, this work presents very well, is in good overall condition and is ready to hang. 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."

Discart captures his subject, a cobbler watched by his companion, in a moment of rapt concentration, conveyed by his expression and expert hand. The craftsman is surrounded by objects and products of his trade painted in exquisite detail: all manner of babouche slippers, a pair of soft kidd boots, and his stitching kit. The result is a fascinating evocation of a Moroccan street scene, with references to the town's architecture in the form of the white washed houses and a magnificent riveted copper door. Discart was born in Modena in 1856 and in 1873, at the age of seventeen, enrolled at the Vienna Academy where he was taught by the German classical painter Anselm Feuerbach. After Feuerbach retired from the Academy, Discart furthered his studies under Feuerbach's successor, the Orientalist painter Leopold Carl Müller, before settling in Paris where he made his debut at the Salon in 1884. Along with fellow Vienna Academicians Ludwig Deutsch and Rudolf Ernst, he soon established himself as a foremost Vienna-trained Orientalist painters of his day.