Lot 33
  • 33

Pietro della Vecchia

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 USD
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Description

  • Pietro della Vecchia
  • Profile of a Barbary pirate, traditionally identified as Barbarossa
  • inscribed on the reverse: Barbarossa /Dey di algeri
    with inventory number: 1147
  • oil on canvas, unlined

Provenance

Private collection, Germany.

Condition

The canvas is unlined. Overall this picture is in quite good condition. The paint surface and the flesh tones of the figure are healthy and without any major losses or damages. UV light reveals some small isolated brushstroke size retouches in the face of the figure as well as some scattered small retouches in the background. None of these retouches are significant and the picture could conceivably be hung in its current condition. In a carved giltwood frame that may be 18th century.
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

According to an inscription on the reverse of the canvas, the sitter in this painting has been traditionally identified as Barbarossa, bey of Algiers.  The Barbarossa brothers, Aruj and Khair-ed-din, were Barbary pirates who led a fleet against the Spanish navy to recapture the Barbary Coast.  The name Barbarossa is likely derived from a corrupted form of the elder brother's name, Baba Aruj.  Aruj was successful in capturing Algiers in 1516 but was killed shortly after in battle.  This canvas likely depicts the younger brother, Khair-ed-din, widely known as Barbarossa, who was appointed bey of Algiers after his brother's death and was later placed in command of the entire Turkish navy.1

We are grateful to Bernard Aikema for endorsing the attribution on the basis of photographs.

1.  D. Brewer, Greece, the Hidden Centuries: Turkish rule from the fall of Constantinople to Greek independence, London and New York 2010, online edition.