Andrea Landini Italian, 1847-1935

Presented to J. T. Walmsley in 1922 by the members of the Accrington and District Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers Association; thence by descent to the present owner

Original canvas. There are no retouchings evident under ultraviolet light. There are a few spots of paint shrinkage in the upper background, notably above the head of the cardinal, otherwise the work is overall in good original condition with bright colours throughout. Held in a decorative plaster moulded gilt frame.
"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."

Intimate scenes of cardinals and priests have long held a fascination for collectors. Andrea Landini, one of the most popular painters of this genre, is celebrated for his meticulous detail in rendering rich fabrics and his humorous depictions of men of the cloth. The underlying anti-clerical themes appealed to the prevailing political mood of the time, representing noble dignitaries in acts of banality or frivolity. The voyeuristic glimpse of such domestic scenes delighted the nineteenth century audience whose view of the Catholic church was shrouded in secrecy and intrigue. The most successful painters of this genre were masters of innuendo, hinting at underlying truths. Pleasures such as chess, as in the present work, in luxurious surroundings decorated with paintings of a lascivious nature gently poke fun at the pomposity of some members of the Church.