Lot 89
  • 89

Francesco Solimena

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Francesco Solimena
  • Saint Francis refuses the priesthood, a bozzetto
  • oil on canvas
  • 24 1/2 x 19 1/2 inches

Provenance

Prof. Alfred K. Moir;
By whom bequeathed to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, in 2011.

Exhibited

Santa Barbara, Museum of Art, on loan from 8 November 1969, loaned by Moir (according to a label on the reverse);
San Diego, Fine Arts Gallery, Baroque Works, 14 April - 13 May 1973, loaned by Moir (as a preparatory study by Solimena, according to a label on the reverse).

Condition

Canvas is relined, though cusping from the original stretcher is still visible. In certain areas of the darks the paint has thinned, though lighter areas such as the wings of the angels are in good state and have retained detailing. UV reveals a rather uneven varnish with carefully selected retouches in various locations, though these are all quite small and mainly applied for reinforcement, not to repair a major loss or tear. A couple of small chips to the entire paint layer are on the top and left edge. The painting could benefit from a fresh varnish. In a carved wooden frame with red painted liner.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This canvas is a bozzetto for Francesco Solimena's altarpiece depicting Saint Francis refusing the priesthood for a chapel in Santa Maria Donnaregina Nuova, Naples, executed in 1693.1

We are grateful to Nicola Spinosa for endorsing an attribution of this lot to Francesco Solimena, based on a photograph.

1.  F. Bologna, Francesco Solimena, Naples 1958, p. 262, reproduced fig. 93.