Moshe Castel

This canvas is in good condition aside from craquelure and 2 very small pinholes in the upper corners. Under UV there are no signs of inpainting.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Moshe Castel was born in Jerusalem in 1909, to a Sephardic Jewish family which had come to Palestine following the expulsion from Spain. He was inspired to study art from an early age. He spent three years at the Bezalel School in Jerusalem after which he moved to Paris at the age of 18 to continue his training.  Castel eventually returned to his homeland, settling in Safed where the atmosphere encouraged him to portray the life and traditions of the Sephardic Jews in Eretz Israel. Dr. Haim Gamzu observes "His brush gave birth to charming memories from his childhood, beautiful pictorial scenes of the Jewish holidays, as observed by this colorful community throughout its generations of residence in the land, the long years adding an oriental cast to their customs and ceremonies" (Moshe Castel, Retrospective Exhibition 1928-1973, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, November – December 1973 n.p.)