Gino Severini

This is thought to be one of Gino Severini’s best paintings. He and his patrons must have thought so because he painted several versions for them as was the custom of the day. There is a certificate verso indicating that it had been featured in the 1932 Venice International Art Exposition. It was acquired from a wealthy Venezuelan family after Chavez came to power and seized their businesses. It is thought to have been acquired by them at some time in the 1930s. Presently it hangs in a place of prominence in the great home of an American collector and is being sold to settle an estate. A lower price with part-ownership and full possession would possible if the buyer will agree to have it forensically examined and sell it when Sotheby’s accepts forensics evidence of authenticity in lieu of a perfect provenance going back to the painter.