- 247
Ottavio Semino
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 GBP
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Description
- Ottavio Semino
- An Allegorical female figure, possibly Vigilance
- Pen and brown ink and brown and grey wash over traces of black chalk, pricked for transfer, arched top
Provenance
With Alister Mathews, Bournemouth, from whom purchased, April 1963
Condition
Hinged in a few places on a modern mount, both bottom corners cut and made up. The paper has wrinkled, particularly at the top and towards the right edge. There are some brown and grey stains scattered around. Surface dirt and some soiling especially towards the edges.
"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 large sheet, pricked for transfer, is strongly reminiscent of the style of Perino del Vaga. Andrea and Ottavio Semino were among the most active followers of the stylistic innovations produced by Perino's work in Genoa. The two brothers, sons of Antonio who was also a painter (c.1485-1555), often collaborated on the same decorative projects and their styles are easily confused. This allegorical figure can be closely compared a drawing in the Louvre, The Martyrdom of St. Andrew,1 which bears an old attribution in pen and ink to Ottavio Semino. This has helped scholars to distinguish the styles of the two brothers, and to reattribute a certain number of drawings.
The suggestion that the allegorical figure could represent Vigilance is that of Ralph Holland.
The suggestion that the allegorical figure could represent Vigilance is that of Ralph Holland.
1. M. Newcome Schleier, Les dessin à Gênes du XVIe au XVIIIe siècle, exhib. cat., Paris, Louvre, 1985, pp. 16-17, reproduced fig. 6; for more information, see idem., 'Drawings by the Semino family', Antologia di Belle Arti, 6, May 1978, pp. 93-98 and C. Monbeig Goguel, 'Les Dessins d'Ottavio Semino au Louvre', Antologia di Belle Arti, 6, May 1978, pp. 99-102