- 34
Attributed to Francesco Solimena
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Francesco Solimena
- A vanitas still life with a glass vase of flowers, a candle, a wine flask and a sand timer on a ledge
- inscribed on the scroll, upper right: AMOR · IN · VMBRAM ·
- oil on canvas
Condition
Painting has been glue relined. the paint surface has been pressed and abraded, though flowers and other objects still read reasonably well. it is impossible to see anything through the old varnish under ultraviolet. there are some retouches that are on top of the old varnish: an area at center in background; some reinforcement of the flower stems under the candle; and some at lower left.
In an elaborately carved and gilt wood 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.
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.
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This previously unpublished canvas can be added to a small number of rare still lifes by Francesco Solimena, grouped together by Alberto Veca in 1981.1 Of those paintings, the present work is perhaps best compared with Sic Transit Gloria Mundi, in which the artist depicts an identical sand timer, a very similar candle (though here shown extinguished), and also displays an inscribed scroll above.2
1. See A. Veca, Vanitas, Il simbolismo del tempo, exhibition catalogue, Bergamo 1981, pp. 276 - 283.
2. Ibid., p. 280 - 282, cat. no. XXIV, reproduced.