Giovanni Costa

Maria Antonia Costa, the artist's widow (until 1904)
Lady Alice Shaw-Stewart
Sale: Bonham's, London, 22 July 1982, lot 280
Godfrey Pilkington (acquired from the above)

Venice, 5^a Biennale, 1903, sala Z, no. 10
London, Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours, Memorial Exhibition of Giovanni Costa, 1904, no. 59
London, Leighton House; Stoke-on-Trent, City Museum & Art Gallery, The Etruscans: Painters of the Italian Landscape, 1989, no. 80

Olivia Rossetti Agresti, Giovanni Costa: his life, work, and times, London, 1904, p. 263, illustrated

The canvas has not been lined. There are some faint minor scattered lines of craquelure and a few very minor scattered spots of paint flaking. Under ultra-violet light some of the pigments fluoresce however these certainly appear to be the artist's originals and there are no notable clear signs of retouching. This painting is in good original condition, could benefit from a light surface clean and is otherwise ready to hang. The colours in reality are somewhat less pink overall than in the catalogue illustration. Presented in a decorative frame.
"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 1901-02.