- 270
French School, 1827
Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- French School, 1827
- Portrait of Hassan El Berberi, head and shoulders, in Ottoman dress
- dated lower left: aout / 1827
- oil on canvas
Provenance
Private collection, France, 1963-2014.
Condition
Canvas has been relined. Painting is clean and presentable as is. The paint surface has been well retained and colors are strong. Examination under UV reveals a series of repaired compound tears: through chin and down right side of neck: both sides of face; around right eye; at upper left forehead. Another L-shaped repaired tear at middle left edge and a few other scattered retouches in background and costume. These repairs have been skillfully done and are not apparent to the naked eye. There is no need for further work and painting can be hung as is.
In a gold wood frame with stylized leaves at corners.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The sitter in this portrait has long been identified as Hassan El Berberi, who was the primary keeper of the famous giraffe sent to King Charles X of France as a gift from the Ottoman Pasha, Mehmet Ali of Egypt. El Berberi, who was of Bedouin origin, traveled with the giraffe from Alexandria to France, arriving in Marseilles by ship on 31 October 1826. After resting in Marseilles for the winter, they began the long walk to Paris, stopping in towns along the way with much fanfare, given she was the first giraffe seen in Europe in over 300 years. After a 41-day journey, she was presented to the King in Paris on 8 July 1827 and settled in at the Jardin des Plantes.
Hassan El-Berberi remained in Paris until late 1827 before returning to Egypt in poor health, leaving his Sudanese assistant to care for the animal. The dating of the painting to August 1827 would suggest the picture was painted in Paris, during Hassan’s sojourn there.
Mehmet Ali also gave giraffes as diplomatic gifts to Emperor Francis I of Austria and King George IV of England; the latter gift was the subject of Jacques Laurent Agasse's Nubian Giraffe in the Royal Collection (1827, inv. no. RCIN 404394).
Hassan El-Berberi remained in Paris until late 1827 before returning to Egypt in poor health, leaving his Sudanese assistant to care for the animal. The dating of the painting to August 1827 would suggest the picture was painted in Paris, during Hassan’s sojourn there.
Mehmet Ali also gave giraffes as diplomatic gifts to Emperor Francis I of Austria and King George IV of England; the latter gift was the subject of Jacques Laurent Agasse's Nubian Giraffe in the Royal Collection (1827, inv. no. RCIN 404394).