Giorgio Morandi

Lelio Basso, Rome
Finarte, Milan
Acquired from the above by the present owner circa 1988

Lamberto Vitali, Giorgio Morandi Pittore, Milan, 1964, illustrated pl. 199 (as dating from 1950-51)
Lamberto Vitali, Morandi, Dipinti, Catalogo generale, Milan, 1983, vol. I, no. 549, illustrated n.p.

The canvas is lined. Apart from a few spots and lines of retouching to the background, mainly around the lower part of the vase, visible under ultra-violet light, this work is in good condition. Colours: Overall fairly accurate in the printed catalogue illustration, although slightly less warm 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."

'Sometimes a vase looms up in isolated splendour on a ground of blue or snow-white, and is crowned with flowers [...] thrilled to have been cut even by angels, vigorous, vulnerable in an otherworldly clarity. No painter, not Renoir, nor Bonnard, nor Redon, has been able to render flowers with such primitive fervour, with such modern sensibility. Morandi renews a genre that in his work achieves pure moments of grace.'

JEAN LEYMARIE