- 13
José Tapiró
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- José Tapiró
- The Snake Charmer
- signed Tapiro / Tanger lower left
- watercolour and gouache over pencil on paper
- 57 by 41.5cm., 22½ by 16¼in.
Provenance
Acquired by the aunt of the present owner in the 1930s; thence by descent
Exhibited
Probably, London, Myer & Son Gallery, 1885
Literature
El Heraldo de Reus, 1927, issue dedicated to Tapiró, illustrated
Condition
The artist's sheet has been fully laid on a thick layer of cardboard, thus preventing inspection of the reverse. Some pin-head sized nail holes are visible along the extreme right framing edge.
Colours are strong and vibrant.
Overall, this work is in very good condition and is ready to hang.
Presented glazed, is 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."
"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
Depicting a snake charmer in quiet backstreet of Tangiers, this evocative and beautifully preserved watercolour displays Tapiró's love of detailed, ethnographic observation, as well as his technical accomplishment in his chosen medium. Tapiró's work has often be compared to that of his contemporary and close friend, Mariano Fortuny. Fortuny and Tapiró studied together at the schools of fine art of Reus and Barcelona, and Tapiró even received a bravery medal for saving Fortuny from drowning. In 1857 the two friends embarked on a study trip that took them from Spain to Rome, then Morocco (1860), back to Rome (1863), on to Grenada (1871) and back to Morocco (1872). In 1876, following Fortuny's death, Tapiró settled permanently in Tangiers.
We are grateful to Jordi À. Carbonell Pallarés for his assistance in cataloguing this work.
We are grateful to Jordi À. Carbonell Pallarés for his assistance in cataloguing this work.