Lot 639
  • 639

Hubert Robert

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
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Description

  • Hubert Robert
  • a fantastical view with the temple of diana and the ruined baths at Baia, near Naples
  • Red chalk;
    signed, inscribed and dated in red chalk: Roberti tempio di diana 1760; bears collector's numbering in red ink on the mount: D.49

Condition

Framed. Laid down on 19th Century mount. The paper is slightly yellowed, with some light foxing, although the chalk is still strong and generally the condition is fine.
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

Hubert Robert and his patron, the Abbé de Saint-Non, spent the spring of 1760 in Naples and the surrounding area, studying the region's archaeological sites, including the newly-excavated Herculaneum.  The artist's expenses were met by the Abbé and, in exchange, Robert was expected to provide drawings recording the sojourn, which the Abbé could later engrave.  

The present drawing, depicting the Temple of Diana at Baia, to the west of Naples, was one such sheet.  In the background to the right, Robert has added to the scene the ruined baths, or Terme, of Baia (which in reality are some distance away) to make the view more picturesque.  Other studies in red chalk by Robert from the same period include a view of Paestum, in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rouen, one of the Temple of Serapis at Pozzuoli in a private collection,1 and a view of Neapolitan ruins entitled by Robert the 'Scola di Virgilio' at the University Art Gallery, Yale.2

1. J.-P. Cuzin, P. Rosenberg et al., J.H. Fragonard e H. Robert a Roma, exhib. cat., Rome, Villa Medici, 1990-91, pp. 95-96, 99, cat. nos. 44, 47
2. V. Carlson, Hubert Robert, Drawings and Watercolors, exhib. cat., Washington, National Gallery of Art, 1978, pp. 36-37,  no. 5