Roman School, 17th Century

Glue relining is firm and stable. under a slightly dirty varnish. the paint surface has been somewhat pressed overall and there is thinness in some of the brown pigments of the landscape and in areas of the foliage. foreground figures are well retained and, as a whole, the painting still reads well. under ultraviolet: there is a repaired horizontal tear at center in landscape (about 5 inches long). other scattered retouches and reinforcements are scattered here and there in landscape, foliage and tree trunks. a few small ones on foreground figures. In a plain gilt wood frame.
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Though an exact hand has yet to be recognized in this grand and expansive landscape, it clearly is indebted to the rich Roman landscape tradition promoted by seventeenth century artists such as Gaspard Dughet, Filipo Lauri, and even the Bolognese artist Domenichino. The latter of these influences is an important observation as it takes into account the intimate relationship which Bolognese landscapists, originating with the Carracci and their circle, had on the large group of Italian and northern artists working in Rome from the mid to late seventeenth century. Through their understanding and execution of faithfully observed naturalistic landscapes, this generation of Roman artists built upon that practice to create a pictorial language all their own. Also inspired by the classical idealism of Poussin, the present work, with its clearly organized recessional space, is a fine representation of this artistic progression in Roman landscape painting towards refinement. The idealised, some might say Arcadian landscape presented here has been rendered with both an accurate sense of naturalism, as well as a rationally organized composition to create an overall image of beauty, grace, and order.

Set amongst this expansive landscape is the scene which tells the story of Polycrates. The ruler of Samos, Polycrates, who in the midst of establishing a treaty with Amasis, the king of Egypt, was told by the Egyptian ruler to dispose of his most valued possession. Such a command was meant to teach Polycrates that truely useful life experience is only gained through loss, hardship, and sorrow. Heeding Amasis' advice, Polycrates throws his prized emerald ring into the sea, only to feel a deep sense of loss and sadness almost immediately thereafter. Some time later, a fisherman brought to Polycrates a large fish to pay tribute to his ruler. Upon opening the fish in front of the fisherman, Polycrates discovered his emerald ring lodged in the belly of the fish.