Valentín de Zubiaurre

Private Collection, Madrid
Acquired from the above by the present owners in 1968

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 / TREATMENT REPORT UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE Valentin de Zubiaurre "Basque Peasants' oil on canvas Structural Condition The canvas is unlined on a conventional wooden keyed stretcher. This is ensuring a stable and secure structural support. Paint Surface The paint surface has a very dry surface coating as well as surface dirt and cleaning would undoubtedly result in a transformation in the overall appearance. There are also a number of surface deposits that would be removed during the cleaning process. The paint surface fluoresces unevenly under ultra-violet light but it does not appear that any retouchings have been applied. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in excellent and stable condition and should respond very well to cleaning and revarnishing.
"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."

The lack of interaction between the sitters, a characteristic trait of Zubiaurre's paintings, reflects the isolation the artist himself experienced in his personal life. Like his brother, fellow-artist Ramón, Valentín was born deaf and as a result they were constant companions, studying and travelling together throughout their lives. Yet while Ramón's art embraced colour and humour, Valentín's works searched for something more gritty, profound, and defined by history.

Zubiaurre, like his brother and other artists such as Ignacio Zuloaga, gained renown for his representations of the individuals and traditions peculiar to the Basque people. Zubiaurre's interpretations of the traditional folklore are combined with a solid knowledge of Spanish Old Masters. As Léonce Bénédite noted, Zubiaurre drew inspiration from Zurbarán and Velázquez, thus pervading his works with the austerity often found in Castilian Art (Leónce Bénédite, 'Ramón and Valentín Zubiaurre', The American Magazine of Art, January 1924, vol. 15, p. 731).

The solidity of the human figures and the simplicity of the elements at the table refer to the Basque agricultural tradition. However Zubiaurre's compositions are imbued with a depth and complexity he had learnt from his predecessors, to which he adds the drama of his own personal struggles.