Alfredo Guttero (1882-1932)

Virgílio de Aguiar, São Paulo (acquired circa 1930)
Thence by descent to the present owner

This painting is in beautiful condition, like its pair. The paint layer is slightly dirty. Some cracking has developed in the heavily painted areas, like in the other Guttero, but unlike the other painting, this cracking has not given rise to any instability. Therefore, the condition here is very slightly better. No retouching or cleaning is recommended. Varnish would also not be appropriate for either of these pictures. This condition report has been provided courtesy of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.
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.

Along with Emilio Pettoruti and Xul Solar, Alfredo Guttero was an important point of contact between the Modernist movement in Europe and the Vanguard of his native Argentina.  Based in Paris, Madrid and Genoa from 1904 to 1927, Guttero (who had studied with Maurice Denis) co-founded the "Association of Argentine Artists in Europe" while exhibiting widely throughout the continent.  He continued to show his work there after returning to Argentina in 1927, the year in which these two works were painted, where he was instrumental in promoting cultural interchange with neighboring Uruguay and Brazil.  It is no surprise, then that these paintings would be found in a Brazilian collection that was likely formed in the early 1930's. Reflecting the Art Deco style that was in vogue in 1920's Paris, these two paintings reflect the artist at the height of his artistic capabilities.