RUBENS SANTORO | A Sunlit Street

The panel is cradled and is flat, even, and ensuring a stable support. There is some minor scattered, drying craquelure notably in the building in the left hand side of the composition. However, this is not distracting to the naked eye and is only visible upon close inspection. There are some hairline splits along the upper framing edge, also visible on the reverse. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals some small, scattered spots and lines of retouching in the sky, notably in the upper right corner and along the right framing edge. Some very finely applied lines of in-painting are visible in the aforementioned drying craquelure and a small stroke of retouching is also visible in the centre of the lower framing edge. The main composition appears to be virtually untouched. Overall, this work is in good condition and 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."

The striking green-domed mosque is possibly that of the al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, Cairo.

The veiled women in the present work appear in several other compositions by Rubens Santoro, and may in turn be inspired by contemporary photographs (fig. 1).