Acquired by the parents of the present owner prior to the Second World Wﷺar; by descent to the present owner in 1957

The canvas has been relined. There are some small scattered spots of retouching in the upper half of the composition that are visible to the naked eye on close inspection, and one vertical repaired tear (approx. 10cm long) in the upper right corner. There is very fine craquelure webbing throughout the dark brown pigments in the lower quarter of the composition. Otherwise this work is in good condition, ready to hang. Held in a simple guildwood frame in good condition.
"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 present scene captures the bustle of activity at the Souk des étoffes in Tunis, the market for fabric and clothing off the rue Jemaa ez-Zeytouna in the medina. Tunisian crafts and products such as silk, perfumes and spices, felt skullcaps called chéchias, silver jewellery and antiques have been historically sold here.

FIG. 1, Photograph of the Sidi-M'Harez Mosque and Bab-Souika Square, Tunis