**JOACHIN SOROLLA Y BASTIDA** WONDERFUL OIL ON CANVAS

This is an utterly captivating "en plein air" impressionist oil on canvas which bears the signature of this very well known Spanish artist. He has captured the sense of light playing on the water beautifully, and the cheeky mischief making of the boys playing among the boats. It is inscribed "Valencia 1917" verso, and is signed. It is a good size, measuring 10 x 20" unframed (25 x 50cm). Condition is very good - the canvas is sound, with no holes or repairs and under black-light there is no evidence of overpaint. I bought it some time ago at a flea market, and I confess I had not heard of the artist. Having looked him up on google - he was an important figure. I have also searched through the online archive of his works (www.joachin-sorolla-y-bastida.org) and the painting offered here is very similar but not identical to a larger work entitled "Valencia's Port" in a public collection in Spain. The painting offered here is smaller and slightly less finished. Is it a first draft "trial run" or a copy by another hand? I am not sure. Presumably to investigate further it would be necessary to take the painting to the Sorolla y Bastida museum in Madrid. In accordance with ebay rules I am therefore offering this as "after Joachin Sorolla - y Bastida" in case it turns out that it is a copy of Sorolla y Bastida's original by another hand. A fascinating project for someone with artistic sleuthing skills, and if it turns out that it actually is by Sorolla - y Bastida himself then an important find.  Postage to the US is FREE!

Terms and conditions - please read. I am an art enthusiast but it is not my profession. For reasons of clarity therefore, I follow standard auction descriptions as used by auction houses all over the world as follows:

"The artist name" In my opinion a work by the artist.

"Attributed to..." In my opinion probably a work by the artist.

"Studio of..." In my opinion, a work executed in the artists studio, under his supervision.

"Circle of..." In my opinion a work of the period of the artist and showing his influence.

"Follower of..." In my opinion a work executed in the artists style but not necessarily a pupil.

"Manner of..." In my opinion a work executed in the artist's style but of a later date.

"After..." In my opinion a copy of a work by the artist from a later date.

"Signed" In my opinion the work has been signed / dated / inscribed by the artist.

"Bears Signature / date /inscription" In my opinion the signature / date / inscription is by a hand other than the artist.