Marie Vassilieff

The canvas has been laid on board. There is a small loss to the canvas in the lower left corner. There are pinholes along the edges and in the corners. There are areas of craquelure and paint shrinkage throughout with associated paint loss in places. There are surface scratches in places. There are stains in the upper right and below the signature in the lower left. There is a layer of surface dirt. Inspection under UV light does not reveal any obvious signs of retouching. Held in simple wooden frame. Unexamined out of 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."

In the summer of 1915 Marie Vassilieff took a group of her best students to paint in Northern Spain. Inspired by the singular light and dramatic otherworldy landscape she produced a series of magnificent cubist works. In her diaries of the time she describes 'this beautiful landscape of primitive lines, the olive trees planted in the earth of red and yellow, like a bouquet of flowers, and all the little hills of volcanic rocks which are brightly coloured like children's bonnets.'

We are grateful to Claude Bernes for providing additional catalogue information.