Salvador Dalí

Acquired in 1967 directly from the artist by the late owner

The canvas is not lined. UV examination reveals a few small spots of retouching to the upper left corner. There are some spots of surface dirt towards the lower right corner, and some tiny specks of paint loss to the extreme lower edge. There are some fine lines of craquelure in places, mainly to the upper left corner. Otherwise, this work is in overall very good condition. Colours: fairly accurate in the printed catalogue, though the background is slightly more green in the original.
"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."

Eunice Bailey Gardiner was born in London, England on September 6, 1928 and died in Palm Beach County on July 26, 2011.  She was the surviving spouse of Mr. Robert David Lion Gardiner, who predeceased her in 2004. 

Eunice and Robert Gardiner were married on March 21, 1961, at St. Thomas Church in New York, New York.  At the time, it was a highlight in the annals of American society.  Eunice Bailey Oakes, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Bailey of London, was the widow of William Pitt Oakes, who was the son of  Lady Oakes, of Nassau, Bahamas, and the late Sir Harry Oakes, a self-made mining millionaire. Robert Gardiner, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alexander Gardiner of New York, was 16^th Lord of the Manor of Gardiner's Island in Suffolk County, Long Island, a right granted to his forbearers by Charles I of England.  Mr. Gardiner also owned Sagitos Manor in Bayshore, Long Island, a family estate built in 1692, as well as other real estate holdings in Suffolk County, Long Island.

Eunice, a noted British beauty, was a London model when she married William Pitt Oakes in London at age 22.  After Pitt's death, Eunice traveled and studied art and architecture in the United States and abroad.  In 1961, Eunice and Robert met at a birthday party given for Robert at the Everglades Club in Palm Beach.

Eunice was an unforgettable beauty with her striking colouring, gorgeous red hair, ivory skin and brilliant eyes.  Eunice's style was also her personal signature.  She was gracious, kind, generous, and charming, and comfortable in any social setting.  In 1953, when the present Queen Elizabeth, then Princess Elizabeth, was being crowned, Eunice and Robert Gardiner went to the coronation.  As members of a family prominent since colonial days, the Gardiners were as close to being American royalty as it was possible to get.