- 321
Francesco Solimena
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Francesco Solimena
- Portrait of a gentleman, half length, dressed in armour
- oil on canvas, oval
Condition
The picture is cooler in tone and fresher in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been relined and the paint surface is in very good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint however there does appear to be evidence of retouching to the darker pigments in the armour and there are scattered very minor retouches to the lower curls of the hair. There are also two very minor specks of blanching varnish in the background upper left, visible upon close inspection. There is also a very minor area of old retouched flaking in the lower centre towards the canvas edge. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the aforementioned retouching and reveals a milky varnish and scattered very minor flecks of retouching to the background which includes some cosmetic retouching to a very minor vertical old superficial surface scratch centre left measuring. Bar some very minor flecks of retouching to the sitter's left temple and neck, the face seems to be in good untouched condition. Offered in a decorative gilt wood and black painted squared oval frame in good overall condition.
"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."
"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 lot is accompanied by the certificate of Professor Nicola Spinosa, dated 13 May 2011, proposing the attribution to Solimena. Prof. Spinosa dates the painting to 1708-10, comparing it specifically to the Portrait of a man recorded by Ferdinando Bologna in the Solino collection, Venice, and dated by him to circa 1705.1
1. F. Bologna, Francesco Solimena, Naples 1958, pp. 84 & 277, reproduced fig. 113.
1. F. Bologna, Francesco Solimena, Naples 1958, pp. 84 & 277, reproduced fig. 113.