- 160
The Master of the Fertility of the Egg
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- The Master of the Fertility of the Egg
- A grotesque scene with animals and dwarfs making music
- inscribed lower left: CHE MUSICA SONORA / CHE FA QUEL' IN CARIOLA
and inscribed and dated lower right: OPERA / NOVA / CURIOSA / 1695 (strengthened) - oil on canvas, unframed
Condition
The unframed painting is a little lighter than the catalogue suggests. The canvas has been relined and retains its bounce effectively. The paint surface is abraded in areas. The condition of the painting is very clear to the naked eye: there are no major damages and the retouchings, which are localised and scattered throughout, have discoloured so can be made uot easily. These are confirmed by UV light. The painting would benefit from a clean.
"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."
"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 artist was a follower of the Brescian painter Faustino Bocchi (1659-1742). The works of this eponymous artist were first grouped together by Mariolina Olivari in her 1990 monograph on Bocchi.
The name dervies from the painting in the Milwaukee Art Museum whihc depicts dwarfs, geese and lobsters hatching out of eggs incubated by a large man (see M. Olivari, Faustino Bocchi e l'arte di figure pigmei 1659-1741, Milan 1990, p. 260, cat. D6).