Italian School, 18th Century

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 29 May 2003, lots 114 and 115;
There purchased by the present collector. 

 

Both have old glue relinings which are firm and stable. overall, the paint surface on both has been very well preserved and there are no obvious losses. Hercules and Nessus: examination under ultraviolet reveals an area of retouching at upper left corner and an area over Nessus's drapery and blue sash (this appears to be over an old repaired puncture). other smaller retouches are scattered here and there, but the figures and flesh tones look quite good for the most part. Chiron and Achilles: ultraviolet light reveals several repaired vertical tears at center on right side of Chiron's torso and up into sky. an area of retouching can be seen in corner upper right which appears to be over a crack or fold in the cavnvas. another retouch, probably addressing an old puncture, can be seen on Achilles's arm. there is a thick band of retouching (about 2 inches thick) all along the bottom edge over what appears to be a canvas addition (this does not affect the figures and is only in the foreground of the picture). some other minor retouches scattered here and there. These paintings are presentable and could certainly be hung in their present state. Some of the old retouches, especially on Chiron and Achilles, are visible to naked eye if you look closely and these could certainly be re-done more skillfully. overall an impressive and striking pair of paintings. In brown wood frames with carved and gilt trim.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This impressive pair of works was painted by an as yet unidentified hand, most likely working in Italy in the last quarter of the 18th Century. The artist seems to have been aware of the work of Mengs and other Neoclassical artists, as the subject matter and compositions exemplify the "Grand Manner" as it was being practiced by both native Italian and foreign artists working from the 1750's onward.

The iconographic pairing of these two subjects suggests a moralizing theme. Although both stories would have been familiar in artistic circles, and had venerable status (both, for example are discussed in Philostratus' Imagines and a Roman fresco of the Education had been discovered in Herculaneum [published in engraved form in 1757]), they were very rarely paired. Nessus, who attempts to abduct Hercules' wife, represents wonton bestiality, man's baser instincts unrestrained. Chiron, on the other hand, personifies man's more lofty nature, elevated by learning and intellectual concerns. Interestingly, Pompeo Batoni, in his great Education of Achilles (Uffizi, Florence), includes in the background a vignette of the Nessus episode, as if to remind the viewer of the superiority of reason over carnality.