Bronislaw Zaleski

The sheets are sound, though in delicate condition. Each discoloured in line with age, with minor tears and creases. There are some areas of foxing on each sheet, and most are attached to a mat with further inscriptions and writing by the artist. Unframed.
"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."

Zaleski was a true renaissance man, trained as a lawyer, active as a scientist, artist and writer, and strongly involved in the Polish independence movement. Together with the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevshenko, he travelled on a scientific expedition to Kazakhstan in the 1850s, acting as a cartographer and drawing detailed plans and maps of the region, as well as a series of finely executed landscape studies. The present lot contains fourteen such rare works, including depictions of the Aral region and Karatau Mountains. Settling in Paris later in life, he published an account of his travels in 1864 vividly illustrated with his own etchings and entitled La vie de steppes Kirghizes.