Gaetano Previati

Maria Ramazzotti Dell'Acqua, Milan
Sale: Sotheby's, London, 19 November 1997, lot 309
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Ferrara, Palazzo dei Diamanti, Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna, Gaetano Previati, 1969, no. 56, illustrated in the catalogue

Gaetano Previati, 1852-1920, exh. cat., Palazzo Reale, Milan, 1999, p. 196, illustrated

The canvas has not been lined. Ultraviolet light reveals strokes of retouching to a 4cm-high, inverted T-shaped repaired tear in the horizon to the upper right of the reclining lady, and addressing a few tiny spots of paint flaking in the right half of the sky. Overall this work is in good condition, and its appearance could be further enhanced with a surface clean. Held in a narrow gilt wood frame. The catalogue illustration is overall accurate, however the colours are somewhat deeper in reality, notably the blues in the sky and the greens in the land.
"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 circa 1908. In a later, related composition, titled Ligurian Hills (149 by 198cm, Private Collection), Previati omitted the figures and painted the sky using short parallel tratteggio brushstrokes.