Victor Huguet

Galerie Antinea, Paris
Purchased from the above by the present owner in 1985

The canvas has been lined. This picture is in good condition and presents extremely well. There is some fine drying craquelure in the lower half of the composition and a small abrasion in the sky in the upper part of the right framing edge. Ultra-violet light reveals some intermittent strokes of retouching along the four extreme framing edges, some very finely applied in-painting in the aforementioned craquelure and some minor scattered spots in the sky in the upper right quadrant. This work is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt 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."

While Huguet’s desert scenes typically depict riders advancing through the landscape, or pausing briefly for a drink at a wadi (see lot 13), this particularly atmospheric, impressionistic example evokes the bustle of a gathered crowd. Clothed in burnous of varying designs and colours for protection from the harsh environment, in the foreground the figures are surrounded by a range of wares, from horse saddles, rugs and ceramics to livestock such as the trio of goats to the left.