Lot 47: ANTONIO FONTANESI | Study of trees

Oil on paper laid down on canvas; bears an old inscription in italian on the reverse signed Marziano Bernardi and dated Torino 22 giugnio 1947

23 x 32,8 cm ; 9 by 12  7/8 in.

Oil on paper laid down on canvas; bears an old inscription in italian on the reverse signed Marziano Bernardi and dated Torino 22 giugnio 1947

Oil on paper laid on canvas, with the artist's pinholes visible at the extreme edges. There is a possible minor old c. 2cm vertical tear in the sheet to the centre right of the lower framing edge. Ultra-violet light reveals quite extensive strokes of retouching in the right half of the composition addressing thinness in the paint surface, along the lower edge, and some other scattered spots. The artist's impasto in the sky appears to be well preserved. The colours in the original are subtler, notably in the sky, compared with the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Pitture italiane dell ottocento, galleria d'Arte della gazzetta del popolo, Turin december 1948- january 1949 n°3

Marziano Bernardi, Pitture italiane dell ottocento, Turin 1948, pl.3, illustrated

According to the inscritpion on the reverse, Marquess of Ferdinand de Brême, Duke of Sartirana;
Dr Scaravelli, doctor of Brême Family;
Ludovico Cartotti di Lessone;
Edmondo Sacerdoti Gallery, Milan

Purchased by the grandfather of the present owners, probably from the above.