L10237

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Lot 174
  • 174

Francesco Mantovano

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Francesco Mantovano
  • A flower garland surrounding the Angel Gabriel;A flower garland surrounding the Virgin Annunciate
  • a pair, the former inscribed lower left: S. GABRIEL ARCANG.L
    the latter inscribed lower right: ANUNCIAC.
  • both oil on canvas

Condition

Both canvases have been recently relined. The relining of the former is starting to sag slightly in the upper left and right corners. Both paint surfaces are secure and are generally in good condition under dirty, somewhat yellowed varnishes. In the former there are a series of old restored thin damages/tears in an around the angel face, the most notable of which is horizontal and runs approx. 5 cm through the angel’s left cheek. The retouching in these areas have slightly discoloured and are clearly visible under UV light, which reveals some other scattered more minor retouchings in the darks of the background. Thorough inspection under UV is somewhat impeded by the aforementioned varnish. In the latter inspection under UV light reveals some retouching along the lines of old craquelure in the Virgin’s face and some scattered retouchings elsewhere, most notable in the darks of the background, although again the varnish impedes thorough inspection. In the lower left corner there are a handful of thin restored tears/damages but these are in the darks of the background and are unobtrusive. The flower garlands are the best preserved part of both paintings. Offered in matching gilt wood and plaster frames in good condition, with some minor losses.
"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

We are grateful to Dott. Alberto Cottino for endorsing the attribution to Mantovano on the basis of photographs. The figures are by a different painter, following compositions by Guido Reni. The former, the Angel Annunciate, is an extraction from Reni's Annunciation in the Pinacoteca Civica, Ascoli Piceno.1 The latter relates to an original composition by Reni, now lost, which was in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.2 The full composition was painted by Sassoferrato and now resides in the Galleria Estense, Modena, and another version of this Madonna was sold in these Rooms, 5 July 2012, lot 262. 

1. D. S. Pepper, Guido Reni L'Opera Completa, Novara 1988, cat. no. 114, reproduced plate 105. 
2. Op. cit., p. 265, cat. no. 107.