Andrea Belvedere

The painting is relined. Retouches are under UV are visible in a larger area in the duck who plunges into the water, throughout the lilies and certain flowers. A thicker varnish is applied to the work which may be masking other retouches. Overall in generally good condition but some attention could be paid to these aforementioned retouches. In a carved gilt wood frame.
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.

One of the most talented still life painters of the Neapolitan Baroque, Belvedere's work was inspired in his early career by his teacher Paolo Porpora and, in particular by the early works of Giuseppe Recco.  Belvedere inherited from this artist the skill of reproducing different aspects of natural subjects with great attention to detail.  There are only two works, a pair of pendants, which survive from his early period, Carnations in the Capodimonte Museum, Naples and Tulips in the Museo Correale Terranova, Sorrento. Mid-career Belvedere moved towards a more Baroque opulence inspired by the still lifes of Abraham Breughel and Giovanni Battista Ruoppolo.  Between 1694 and 1700 Belvedere was employed at the Spanish court in Madrid.  After his return to Naples he abandoned painting almost entirely and devoted his last thirty years to literature and the theatre.  Belvedere's paintings provided an influential model for the succeeding generation of still-life artists, including Tommaso Realfonso, Nicola Casissa and Gaspare Lopez.