Santiago Rusiñol

Acquired by the grandfather of the present owner, before 1945

Original canvas. Apart from scattered small spots of retouching in sky and greenery, notably three slightly larger spots (c. 2cm by 2cm) in the bottom right, centre left and to the left of the large tree, this work is in very good condition. The slightly smudged surface of the signature appears to be original. The colours overall are slightly richer and more vibrant in reality.
"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."

Painted in 1904, this hitherto unknown composition depicts the garden of Sa Coma in Valdemosa, a place that would inspire the artist on several occasions that year (for two related views, see Josep de C. Laplana & Mercedes Palau Ribes, La pintura de Santiago Rusiñol. Catàleg sistematic, Barcelona, 2004, vol. 3, p.141, n. 15.4.14 & 15.4.15 catalogued & illustrated)

Rusiñol's fascination for Mallorca dates from 1899, the year he visited the island to convalesce from ill health. Thereafter, he returned to the island regularly, exploring every corner of its luminous landscape and trying to represent it with his resonant palette, producing many of his most powerful and evocative works.  He referred to Mallorca as the 'island of tranquillity', the title of his 1922 book about the island, and the oils that Rusiñol painted there rank among the most serene works in his oeuvre.

In 1902 Rusiñol exhibited a selection of his Mallorca canvases at the Casino La Unión de Sóller, and in 1903 and 1905 at Sala Parés in Barcelona.  To acknowledge Rusiñol's achievements on the island, and in recognition of the importance that he attached to Mallorca as a source of inspiration for some of his most striking images, the city of Palma dedicated a monument to his memory in 1935.

Sa Coma of Valdemosa belonged to Joan Miguel Sureda Veri, Marquess of Vivot. When he passed away, in 1912, the Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria acquired it.