Louis de Caullery

Anonymous sale ("The Property of a European Nobleman"), London, Christie's, 28 May 2006, lot 16.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The copper panel is in a good condition with some raised but stable paint. The highlights of the fireworks and torches are well preserved. There is the remains of an older discoloured varnish in situ in the foreground covering the figures; beneath this can be seen a compromised paint layer extensively restored. The subtle glazes and scumbles to the buildings and the figures in the mid ground have been abraded and there is a loss of definition here as a result, under ultraviolet light restoration to augment these thinness can be detected, along with further retouchings in the sky. Some of the finer details throughout the painting have been carefully preserved, however. Offered in a black lacquer frame in good condition."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Probably born in Caulery, Cambrai, Louis de Caullery was in Antwerp training under Joos de Momper by 1594, going on to become a Master of the Guild of Saint Luke in 1602.  There are a number of Italian cityscapes, such as the present painting, included in his varied oeuvre which has often led to the assumption that De Caullery travelled widely in Italy, including the cities of Venice, Florence and Rome.  However there is no evidence to support this theory, or to suggest the De Caullery ever left Antwerp.  It is much more probable that these Italian cityscapes were either derived from, or loosely based on, engravings, especially as the majority depict popular celebratory events often engraved. Examples include the Ascension Day in Venice (The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Durham) and the present painting which depicts the firework display held annually at the Castel Sant'Angelo on Easter Monday and on the 29^th of June to mark the feast day of the Saints Peter and Paul.  Both events were much written about in contemporary sources and apparently drew huge crowds.  Despite being based on an engraving the present painting admirably depicts the sense of busy excitement contemporary descriptions record.

This composition is know in another version, with differences to the staffage and less fireworks , which sold London, Sotheby's, 27 April 2006, lot 15.