Louis-François Cassas

Sale: Bonhams, London, 17 March 1993, lot 41
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Watercolour on paper laid on canvas laid on linen. The paper is somewhat sunned notably in the sky and there are some small scattered spots of surface dirt throughout, some of which seem to fluoresce under ultra-violet light. There are minor spots of flaking in the sky to the left and two small pinholes to the upper right corner. The work is overall in good condition and ready to hang. Presented glazed, in a decorative gilt frame.
"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."

The Philopappos is an ancient Greek monument dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos or Philopappus, a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene. Located just southwest of the Acropolis, it was erected by his sister Julia Balbilla, with the citizens of Athens, shortly after his death in the year 116. The monument is a two-storey structure, supported by a base. On the lower level is a frieze representing Philopappos as a consul, riding in a chariot and led by lictors. The upper level showed statues of three men: of Antiochus IV on the left, of Philopappos in the centre and of Seleucus I Nicator (now lost), on the right.