Andrea Scacciati

Commissioned from the artist (as one of a set of six still lifes) in 1683 by Vittoria della Rovere, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, for the Medici villa at Poggio Imperiale near Florence, and recorded in a 1691 inventory there. (The painting probably left the Medici collections shortly afterwards, in the early 18th century).

The catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has an old relining which has not flattened the paint surface. To the naked eye the paint surface appears in very good condition, with the impasto very well preserved under the yellowed varnish. Inspection under UV light is hindered by the thick varnish. This painting is offered in a carved wooden frame with minor knocks.
"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."

This still life originally formed part of a set of six paintings - all of similar format and dimensions, and all depicting flowers loosely arranged within blue-and-white porcelain bowls - which were commissioned by Vittoria della Rovere (1622-1695), Grand Duchess of Tuscany, for the Medici villa at Poggio Imperiale outside Florence. Four of the series have been identified: they remained in the Medici collections into the 19th century and are now at the Palazzo di Montecitorio, Rome, on loan from the Gallerie Fiorentine.¹ We are grateful to Dott. Sandro Bellesi for endorsing the attribution to Scacciati and identifying the painting as one of the original set of six, on the basis of photographs.

1. Inv. 1890, nos. 4831-4834; see S. Bellesi, Andrea Scacciati. Pittore di Fiori, Frutta e Animali a Firenze in età tardobarocca, Florence 2012, pp. 122-23, cat. nos. 34-37, all reproduced, and cat. nos. 34 and 35 reproduced in colour on p. 64, plates XII and XIII.