Lot 370
  • 370

Workshop of Francesco Fanelli (1577-after 1658) Probably Genoa, first quarter 17th century

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Relief with the Holy Family and two saints
  • bronze
  • Workshop of Francesco Fanelli (1577-after 1658) Probably Genoa, first quarter 17th century

Condition

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. The lacquer patina has largely worn, exposing the original colour of the bronze. A section of one of the branches on the left edge near the top has been tooled and is missing. There are a few further shallow lacunae, notably to the edges. There is some dark spotting to the bronze in several areas. There is minor rubbing to the high points, including the faces of the figures. Several remnants of bronze casting rods are visible on the underside.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The association of the present composition with Francesco Fanelli was first made by Charles Avery in his 1975 discussion of the prototype at the Royal Ontario Museum (op. cit.). The attribution to Fanelli's workshop has largely been accepted, and it has been argued that the presence of Saint George in the present version of the relief suggests an origin in the Genoese period of the artist's workshop (see Rossi, op. cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Avery and K. C. Keeble, Florentine Baroque Bronzes and Other Objects of Art, exh. cat. Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, 1975, pp. 34-35; F. Rossi, La Collezione Mario Scaglia. Placchette, Bergamo, 2011, vol. I, pp. 463-464, no. XIII.9