Jacopo Cestaro

The catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is abraded and thin in several areas as can be seen in the catalogue. However, specific damages are not visible to the naked eye. Inspection under UV light reveals scattered retouchings, though the yellowed varnish does not allow complete inspection. The painting would benefit from a clean and a new varnish. Offered unframed.
"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."

Insigne pittore settecentesco, Jacopo Cestaro si forma a Napoli assieme a Giuseppe Bonito, Gaspare Traversi e Domenico Mondo presso la bottega di Francesco Solimena, il più illustre interprete dell'arte tardo-barocca napoletana. Sebbene fortemente influenzato dalle lezioni del Maestro, Jacopo Cestaro elabora uno stile personale orientato verso il classicismo arcadico di Francesco de Mura, arrivando a lavorare per importanti chiese del Regno di Napoli, come la chiesa del Gesù a Lecce, la chiesa dell'Assunta di Bagnoli Irpino e quelle di Sant'Efremo Vecchio e dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo a Napoli. Accanto a queste imprese decorative, Jacopo si mette in luce con abilità anche nella pittura di cavalletto, come dimostra la Cleopatra qui presentata, versione autografa del dipinto di medesimo soggetto conservato al Museo di Capodimonte a Napoli.

Si ringrazia il professor Nicola Spinosa per aver confermato l'attribuzione del dipinto su base fotografica.