José Tapiró

This condition report has been provided by Jane McAusland FIIC, Conservator and Restorer of Art on Paper, Nether Hall Barn, Old Newton, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14. Support The artist has used a strong thick wove watercolour paper. The condition is good. At present it is free from any mounting. The edges are indented, and there is some staining along the top margin. There are a few fox marks to the right in the sky. The sheet is slightly 'time stained'. Medium The colours are fresh and bright, though there may be slight fading in the sky and more delicate tints. Note: This work was viewed outside studio conditions. JANE McAUSLAND
"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."

Tapiro developed a preference for Orientalist subjects early on in his career, and his most accomplished works in this genre were executed in watercolour, a medium at which he excelled, as evident in the present work.

Depicting a group of young boys playing city guards on the ramparts of the city fortifications built around the Medina of Tangiers by Pasha Er Riffi, The Presentation displays Tapiro's love of detailed, ethnographic renderings, as well as his technical accomplishment in his chosen medium.

Tapiro's work has often be compared to that of his contemporary and close friend, Mariano Fortuny. Fortuny and Tapiro studied together at the schools of fine art of Reus and Barcelona, and Tapiro even received a bravery medal for having saved Fortuny from drowning. In 1857 the two friends embarked on a study trip that took them from Spain to Rome, then Morrocco (1860), back to Rome (1863), on to Grenada (1871) and back to Morrocco (1872). In 1876, following Fortuny's death, Tapiro settled permanently in Tangiers.