Leonardo Coccorante

The original is much warmer than as shown in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has been quite recently relined and the relining is still sound, if a little hard. The painting has been quite recently cleaned, restored and re-varnished and the paint surface is in overall fairly good condition, with the ruins in the right foreground the best preserved area. The mid and far distances are a little thin. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals some retouching to the back of the left most figure and minor retouchings dotted throughout the seated figure group. There is a large amount of retouching and strengthening to the foremost section of the sea and the pyramid and tall ruin in the mid-distance are quite extensively restored. The varnish layer is clear and even. Offered with a modern gilt wood frame, in good condition.
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.

Together with Salvator Rosa, Leonardo Coccorante was the leading view painter of the Neapolitan tradition, and he was described by Bernardo De Dominici in hisVite de' pittori, scultori ed architetti napoletani (1742-1745).  His landscapes, which, like the present painting, are at once visionary and dramatic, often depict classical ruins with large expanses of sea and sky beyond. 

We are grateful to Professor David R. Marshall, who, based on photographs, has confirmed the attribution to Leonardo Coccorante.