- 75
Studio of Carlo Dolci
Description
- Carlo Dolci
- The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew
- oil on canvas, unframed
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. 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 apostle Andrew was the brother of Peter and, according to John 1: 40-41, was the first to follow Christ. Andrew was executed in the Peloppenese after converting the wife of the governor Egeas to Christianity. Her subsequent refusal to satisfy her husband's marital demands resulted in Andrew's imprisonment and execution.
In the present painting we see Andrew kneeling before the cross, seeing a vision from Heaven. The high quality of this version, which is a copy after the original of the same dimensions found in Florence, Galleria Palatina, inv. 1912, no. 266 (according to F. Baldassari, Carlo Dolci, Turin 1995, reproduced p. 86), suggests that it is contemporary to the original and was most likely executed in the artist's studio. A smaller version (52.5 by 41 cm.) is in a private collection, New York, and a painting of very similar composition (115.6 by 91.4 cm) is in Birmingham, Birmingham Museum and City Art Gallery, no 45.62. However, this last composition differs from the New York and Florence version as angels can be seen coming down from the sky and the crowd to the right is composed of different people.