Eliseo Meifrén Barcelona 1859-1940

Salon Witcomb, Buenos Aires
Purchased by the family of the present owner from the above circa 1910

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. Examination report unconditional and without prejudice Eliseo Meifren Fishing Boats at Sunset oil on canvas Structural Condition The canvas is unlined on what would appear to be the original keyed wooden stretcher. This is providing a secure structural support. There are two patches in the upper left quadrant as viewed from the reverse. Paint Surface The paint surface has an even varnish layer. There is some slightly raised craquelure in the thicker impasto but this is stable and not visually distracting. Paint Surface The paint surface has an even varnish layer. There is some slightly raised craquelure in the thicker impasto but this is stable and not visually distracting. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows scattered areas of retouching, the most significant of which are the two areas corresponding to patches on the reverse mentioned above. These are both in the upper right of the paint surface and measure approximately 6 x 3cm and 7 x 4cm. There are other small scattered retouchings across the paint surface. Summary The painting is therefore in reasonably good and stable condition and no further work is required.
"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."

Renowned for his versatility in landscape painting, Meifrén used loose brushstrokes and subtle tonal gradations to recreate the softness of the evening sunlight, a technique characteristic of the artist. In the present work, the dim light imbues the scene with tranquillity: two solitary fishermen in the foreground; in the background, the port with its whitewashed church tower prominent on the horizon.

Unlike his contemporaries such as Mir, Meifrén did not concentrate on the Catalan landscape, but travelled through Spain, Europe and America. A member of the café Els Quatre Gats, with Rusiñol and Casas Meifrén shared a passion for Modernism. Putting his academic training aside, he experimented constantly with styles and techniques in his landscapes and marines.