Carlo Bossoli

Mestrallet collection, Turin (purchased from the artist for 100 francs)
Private Collection, Alassio
Purchased from the above by the present owner

Catalogo dei Dipinti autografo di Carlo Bossoli, (the artist's ledger), p. 11, listed
Ada Peyrot, Carlo Bossoli, Turin 1974, vol. I, p. 25, listed in the artist's ledger; p. 106, catalogued; p. 119, no. 147, catalogued & illustrated (incorrectly titled Costantinopoli. Palazzo di Dolmabahçe)

Framed under glass, which has provided the surface good protection over the decades. The work has a fine old linen lining (some of the painted image is visible on the left and right turnover edges on the reverse). There is some scattered faint discolouration and a faint 30cm horizontal linen seam in the sky, visible in the catalogue illustration, as well as some flattened creasing in the lower right corner and in the grey wall in the lower right, also visible in the catalogue illustration. There is no retouching visible under ultraviolet light.
"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."

Bossoli was born in Davesco, near Lugano, the son of a stonemason. The family emigrated to Odessa in 1820 and settled into the already established community of emigrants from the Ticino. He worked here in a print shop and soon began to draw and paint, encouraged by a local dignitary, Count Voronzov, who sponsored him to travel to Rome and Naples in 1839 to see the great art and to perfect his watercolour and gouache technique among the artists of the school of Posilippo. On his return to Odessa in 1840 he compiled an album of views of the Crimea, which was published in lithographic form. The album brought Bossoli to the attention of a much wider public and he was soon commissioned to travel to Constantinople, Malta, Milan and elsewhere to complete further albums and single views like the present work.