Lot 258
  • 258

Francesco Fontebasso

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Francesco Fontebasso
  • study of a bearded figure, half length, wearing a black tunic with his hand over a brazier, possibly Mucius Scaevola
  • oil on canvas

Condition

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The original canvas is lined and the paint layer is stable but raised. There are some small restored paint losses to the left and right background, behind the sitter's head and a reduction of a filigree of pale cracks to the figures tunic and to the background. Further small restored losses to the beard and head can be detected. Under ultraviolet light an older discoloured varnish in the darker passages can be seen. Overall, the paint layer, including the texture and impasto, are well preserved. The painting has been quite recently lined and restored so no tonal advantage can be gained by removing the varnish. Offered in a gilt wood 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."

Catalogue Note

Livy tells the story of Mucius Scaevola (the 'left handed'), a Roman hero who broke into the Etruscan camp to kill their king Lars Porsena. He mistakenly killed the king's secretary and was captured. To show how cheaply he valued his life, he placed his right hand into the flames of an altar fire and left it there to burn. Amazed at his courage and endurance, Porsena set him free.

We are grateful to Dottoressa Marina Magrini for endorsing our attribution to Fontebasso on the basis of photographs.