- 179
French School, third quarter of the 17th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- An allegory of the victory of peace over war: peace and justice presenting the nine muses to Minerva, with Mars schackled in the foreground
- bears inscription on the reverse of the stretcher in an old hand: Romanelli fe and with old inventory number: No59
- oil on canvas
Provenance
Acquired for a private collection before or during the 1950s;
Thence by family descent until sold, London, Sotheby's, 7 December 2006, lot 207, for £30,000, whence acquired by the present owner.
Thence by family descent until sold, London, Sotheby's, 7 December 2006, lot 207, for £30,000, whence acquired by the present owner.
Condition
The canvas has a firm relining, which has resulted in a flattened paint surface. The paint surface is secure, stable and very clean. The colours are strong and vibrant. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals am even varnish and retouching to areas of frame abrasion along parts of the left and upper edge. Also revealed is retouching to craqulure throughout the painting. These craqulure retouchings have been delicately carried out and are not visible under normal light. No further work is needed.
"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."
"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
Although the figure types are strongly reminiscent of the work of Giovanni Francesco Romanelli, to whom this painting has long been attributed, the overall character of the work (notably the light palette and delicate brushwork) point to the authorship of a French artist working in Paris, during the third quarter of the 17th century.