Lot 5
  • 5

Bonifazio de' Pitati called Bonifazio Veronese

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description

  • Bonifazio de' Pitati called Bonifazio Veronese
  • Mercury Slaying Argus
  • oil on panel, unframed

Condition

Panel is cradled. Under a very dirty, discolored and uneven old varnish. The darker pigments of the foliage and landscape have sunken and these areas have lost some definition. It is very difficult to see anything under ultraviolet due to the old varnish, though a few more recent retouches can be seen in foliage at left side.
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.

Catalogue Note

Bonifazio de' Pitati was born in Verona in 1487.  He is first recorded in Venice in 1528, although scholars agree that he must have been there prior to that date, possibly even as early as 1505, absorbing the influence of Giorgione, Titian and Palma Vecchio, in whose studio Bonifazio may have worked.  One of the artist's most famous commissions was for the decoration of the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi, Venice, which he begun in 1529.

In addition to commissions for large religious and civic decorative projects, Bonifazio produced many small panel paintings which were used to embellish cassone (marriage chests), headboards, and other types of domestic furniture.   It is likely that the present panel originally served such a decorative purpose.