José María Sert

Henry Carnegie Phipps (purchased in Paris after 1924); thence by descent

New York, Wildenstein Galleries, José María Sert, 1924

Mary Fanton, Arts & Decoration, New York, no. 5, vol. XX, March 1924
The Sphere, London, 12 July 1924
Alberto del Castillo and Alexandre Cirici, José María Sert. Su vida y su obra, Barcelona & Buenos Aires, 1947, pp. 119-120, discussed; p. 89, illustrated (erroneously located at Wretham Hall)
Madrid, Palacio de Velázquez, Parque del Retiro, José María Sert 1874-1945, 1987, pp. 106, catalogued with larger measurements

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Replica Handbags Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Structural Condition The panels have horizontal and vertical batons on the reverse which are ensuring a generally stable and even structural support although both panels have horizontal joins running across their width which do require localised consolidation. Paint surface Both paint surfaces have discoloured varnish layers and would undoubtedly benefit considerably from cleaning and revarnishing. A number of old retouchings are visible but the majority of these are small areas which appear rather excessive and could be reduced should they be removed and any areas of loss more carefully retouched. The horizontal joins in the panels are in the sky above the heads of the standing figures. There are some retouchings along these lines as well as some lifting and unstable paint which requires localised consolidation. The paint surface has a fine craquelure pattern which is stable and not visually distracting. Summary The paintings therefore appear to be in good condition and should respond well to cleaning and revarnishing as well as minor localised consolidation.
"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 stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes '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."

[INTRODUCTION}

The Sensational and the Surreal: the Wonderful World of José María Sert
Lots 87-92

Property from the Ogden Phipps Family Trust. Seven works by José María Sert formerly in the collects ion of Henry Carnegie Phipps removed from the Phipps residence in Roslyn, New York  (lots 87-92)

The following seven monumental paintings by Sert were purchased by Henry Carnegie Phipps to decorate the drawing room of his home in Palm Beach, Florida. Painted during 1922-23, the series was commissioned by King Alfonso XIII of Spain to be woven into tapestries at the Real Fábrica de Tapices (Royal Tapestry workshop) in Madrid. The tapestries, however, were never embarked on, and Sert subsequently exhibited the present works in New York at the Wildenstein Gallery. 

The royal commission demanded a grand scale. In ambition Sert looked to the great decorative schemes of the Baroque and the tapestries of Rubens for inspiration. For the flamboyant subject matter he selected scenes from the street theatre, circus acrobats and gypsies that had left such a lasting impression on him as a child growing up in Barcelona. Depicting both the pomp and ceremony, and folklore and comedy of life, Sert created a world in which carnivalesque characters produce a whirlwind of colour and movement.

Impossible to conceive in real life and dream-like in their spirit, the series reflects the close friendship that developed between Sert and Salvador Dalí during the 1920s. The extraordinary range of Sert's imagination is evident in such features as the 'Heath-Robinson' construction in Los pajareros and the fruit tree growing our of a mountain top in Recolección, fantasy compositions that clearly anticipate Surrealism.