L10237

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Lot 192
  • 192

Giovanni Odazzi

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 GBP
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Description

  • Giovanni Odazzi
  • Diana and Acteon
  • oil on canvas, unlined and on its original stretcher, unframed

Literature

Possibly M. Trimarchi, Giovanni Odazzi, pittore romano, Rome 1979, p. 99, cat. no. 51.

Condition

The colours in the catalogue illustration are quite faithful to the painting although the latter is slightly less orange, cooler and more subtle in tone. The canvas is unlined and still mounted on its original stretcher. The paint surface has been partially cleaned and the varnish removed in places. The only significant damage occurs lower centre (8cm. approx.), running horizontally underneath the feet of Diana's rightmost standing attendant, and this has been patched on the reverse. The ground is showing through on the drapery of this rightmost attendant and this effect does not appear anywhere else in the painting: whether the drapery is unfinished (unlikely) or the pigment has altered with time (more likely), it is not entirely clear. Other than the aforementioned damage there are a couple of only very minor localised retouchings. The painting is in admirable original condition - the fact that the canvas has never been lined means that the brushwork is beautifully preserved (see, for example, the two female figures and their dogs in the lower right corner). The modern plywood frame is in good condition but unsuitable and should be replaced.
"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

This elegant Diana and Acteon is a more refined version of a slightly smaller work by Odazzi which was on the London art market in the late 1970s as by Albani.1 A Bagno di Diana is listed in the artist's notebook and it is tempting to link one of the two versions with that picture (see Trimarchi under Literature).

In this painting Odazzi's style is still very close to that of his master, Giovanni Battista Gaulli, known as Baciccio. He had, however, thoroughly absorbed the prevailing currents in Roman art of the time: the influence of Albani, Domenichino, and even Salvator Rosa can all be felt. However, the work also betrays an independent and inventive creative streak, particularly in its inclusion of the discovery of Callisto's pregnancy amongst the figures far left.

We are grateful to Dott. Francesco Petrucci for proposing the attribution and to Dr Erich Schleier for independently endorsing it, both on the basis of photographs.


1. See E. Schleier, "Giovanni Odazzi: inediti e nuove proposte", in R.P. Ciardi et al (eds), Pittura Toscana e Pittura Europea nel Secolo dei Lumi, atti del convegno di Pisa 1990, Pisa 1993, pp.14 and 17, under notes 55 and possibly 57, reproduced  fig. 22.