Alejo Vidal Quadras

This work appers to be in generally very good overall condition. No traces od retouching appears to be under UV light.
"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."

Alejo Vidal-Quadras, membro di una famiglia dell'alta borghesia catalana, si formò all'Accademia d'Arte di Barcellona. Gli anni '50 e '60 lo videro impegnato nella realizzazione di ritratti dei membri delle famiglie reali di Spagna, Grecia, Giordania, Yugoslavia, di celebri attori cinematografici come Audrey Hepburn e David Niven e delle famose bellezze dell'epoca, tra cui Grace Kelly e Maria Callas. Nel dipinto, commissionato da Aristotele Onassis, la Callas indossa l'abito che portava al ricevimento di Capodanno del 1960 in compagnia dell'armatore. Vidal-Quadras, a proposito del ritratto, ricorda: 'Satisfied with the portrait of the Callas, Aristotle Onassis commissioned another rather particular portrait. He brought me a small naïve picture representing his mother, painted in Turkey, explaining that this was the only maternal image left to him'. 

Maria Callas is portrayed with the evening gown worn at New Year's Eve in 1960. The painting was commissioned by Aristotele Onassis.