# - West Indies--American School, late eighteenth century.

Oil on canvas (63.5 x 76cm., 25 x 30in.)

The canvas has been relined and there is some overall retouching.
"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."

This rare painting shows the house of a tobacco farm owner in the West Indies in the late eighteenth century. In the foreground is a tobacco drying shed and in the harbour lies a Spanish ship. European cultivation of tobacco began in Cuba in about 1580. Until the early nineteenth century when cigar smoking was popularised, tobacco was mainly used for pipe-smoking, chewing or as snuff.