Emilio Boggio (1857-1920)

Private collection, France

Paris, Salon des Artistes Français, 1888, no. 289

This painting is in lovely condition. The canvas is not lined but the tacking edges have been reinforced to allow for proper stretching. The frame is original. Probably because the paint layer is quite absorbent given the fact that the canvas is unlined, there is an extremely thick and shiny varnish covering the work, and this makes an accurate appraisal of the condition a little challenging. However, under close examination it seems that the condition throughout is extremely good. The paint layer is stable and there appears to be no reason why the work should be lined. There are some cracks in the paint layer, particularly in the darker colors, which have attracted some retouches and the retouches are not particularly accurate. These retouches are in the dress of the young girl seated immediately to the left of the seated woman reading, to a lesser degree in a few cracks in the face of the other child seated on the left side and around this head, and also in the dark dress of the standing figure to the right. In the palm tree on the far left there is a line of retouches and as one looks elsewhere there are spots where this cracking has attracted similar retouches. This cracking may be considered to be an organic and expected development to a picture of this period or complexity and does not indicate any condition issue per se. However, the deftness of these retouches combined with the thick varnish gives the wrong impression about the condition of the picture, which is very good. This painting will benefit from a fresh appraisal of the restoration throughout. This condition report has been provided courtesy of Simon Parkes Art Conservation.
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.