Lot 164
  • 164

Francesco Solimena

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Francesco Solimena
  • Saint Augustine triumphing over Heresy
  • oil on canvas

Condition

The canvas has an old relining, which has resulted in a flattened surface. The surface is covered by a dirty varnish. Underneath the varnish the paint surface is secure and intact, although has thinned somewhat in places. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of an opaque varnish which has the effect of hiding any retouchings which may be present. The work is offered in a gilt molded frame with a few knocks and losses.
"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."

Catalogue Note

We are grateful to Prof. Nicola Spinosa for confirming the attribution to Solimena and for suggesting that the painting belongs to an early phase of his career, c. 1678–80, when he was working alongside his father Angelo. In Prof. Spinosa's opinion, this previously unpublished bozzetto for an altarpiece, was probably painted for a church in the Salerno/Avellino area, around the time of the frescoes at San Giorgio in Salerno and before those in the church of Santa Maria Donnaregina, Naples.1 The contorted figure in the foreground, for instance, is similar to the muscular nudes at San Giorgio in the Archangel Michael defeating the Giants, while the putti in the upper area of the picture show the influence of Benaschi and Lanfranchi. Prof. Spinosa will include this painting in his forthcoming publication on the artist.  

1. V. De Martini, Angelo e Francesco Solimena: Due culture a confronto, Milan 1990.