Watercolor with pencil mounted on cardboard, Natura Morta, attributed* to Giorgio Morandi (1890-1964). Signed lower middle and dated 1955. 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches. Overall condition is very good (a few very insignificant tears at the edges of the paper). Unframed for inspection and shipping.

Provenance: Ex-collection Maurice Gaillard, Switzerland. Possibly acquired by the former from his friend, Fausto Pirandello (Rome), who was associated with a number of Italian artists. Thence, by descent to Mr. Gaillard's nephew, now deceased, and then to Mr. Gaillard's great nephew, the former owner.

Note: Preston Hall Gallery has sold a number of Italian and European drawings from the collection of Maurice Gaillard and his descendents. It is believed that Mr. Gaillard acquired some of these drawings directly from his artist friends and others from galleries, dealers, and auctions. One Italian drawing from Mr. Gaillard's collection was offered in our February 2014 sale (Lot 26) as "attributed" to Giuseppe Capogrossi (1900-1972) and is believed to have been acquired by Mr. Gaillard directly from the artist, circa 1961/62. The drawing was subsequently authenticated by the artist's foundation and has been assigned the archive number AC 339 G. The work was resold by an important European auction house where it hammered for $9,070. [Preston Hall Gallery has not submitted the present Morandi-ascribed drawing to any committee for evaluation and cannot guarantee the outcome of any such examination.]

* This lot is being offered as attributed to the named artist. The attribution is based in part on our careful study and does not represent the opinion of any recognized expert or panel of experts. Preston Hall Gallery and the consignor assume no risk, liability, or responsibility for the authenticity or authorship of any lot described by this term or by other similar qualifying terms such as "manner of," etc. These lots are not guaranteed and may not be returned. For further information, please see "Authentication and Provenance of Attributed Lots," following Section 27 in our Terms & Conditions of Sale before placing your bid. Unless stated otherwise in the catalog description, no further provenance or additional information is currently available for this lot.