Lot 11
  • 11

Joaquín Sorolla

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Cala de Ibiza
  • oil on board
  • 19 by 24cm., 7½ by 9½in.

Provenance

Elena Sorolla (a gift from the artist, her father)

Condition

The board is slightly bowed convexly at its edges, but appears to be stable. There are two small nail holes in the far upper right and upper left corners respectively, and some small spots of paint flaking are visible in the sea in the centre of the composition (also visible in the catalogue illustration). Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals no visible sign of retouching. This work is in good original condition and ready to hang. Presented in a simple 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."

Catalogue Note

Painted in September 1919, this luminous view depicts a rocky cove in Ibiza, with the island of Formentera just visible on the horizon. Following the completion of the vast decorative scheme for Archer M. Huntington's Hispanic Society of America, New York, which had taken the artist seven years to complete, Sorolla felt physically and emotionally exhausted. He therefore decided to spend the summer relaxing in Mallorca, accompanied by his family, from where he travelled on to neighbouring Ibiza which inspired a series of works including the present one, made on the spot, but also more ambitious compositions including The Smugglers, commissioned by American billionaire Thomas Fortune Ryan.

We are grateful to Blanca Pons-Sorolla for her assistance in cataloguing this work, which will be included in her forthcoming Sorolla catalogue raisonné (BPS 3754).