Eugen von Blaas

Purchased in Buenos Aires circa 1960; thence by descent

Original canvas. There are some strokes of retouching visible under UV light, notably a 3cm horizontal stroke to the right of the standing lady's arm, around the right forearm of the seated lady, and addressing frame rubbing in the lower third of the extreme right edge. There is some horizontal hairline craquelure, notably in the drying washing, the standing lady, and in the background in the upper right quarter, and a light vertical stretcher mark at the left edge. This work would be transformed with a surface clean. Held in a decorative 20th century gold-painted wood and plaster frame.
"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."

A Moment of Rest is a typical example by von Blaas of Venetian women captured in an everyday setting, providing the viewer with an intimate perspective of the city's colourful customs and costumes. Indeed, Blaas made his name for himself with such idealised portrayals of humble working girls - fruit sellers, water carriers, seamstresses or, as in this case, laundresses - elevating them from the reality of their surroundings into a realm of grace and beauty.

As the critic for Premiato Stabilimento tipo-litografico dell'Emporio mockingly pointed out in his review of the 1887 Esposizione Nazionale: 'What disbelief when it was announced that Mr de Blaas's entry depicted a laundress! A laundress? Are you pulling our leg, Mr de Blaas? A laundress, this beautiful donnina, so fresh and clean? And in such a charming pose? Is she not a lady, disguised as a laundress? She is definitely not a genuine washerwoman!' (P.S.E., 1887, p. 203)