Claude-Louis Châtelet

A view of the Cascata delle Mamore: the paint surface is secure and stable. There are traces of impasto in the white highlights. The clouds have dirtied, perhaps due to a discoloured varnish, but should clean well. There are areas of frame abrasion along parts of the edges. A repair to a U-shape tear, measuring approximately 8 by 6 cm, is visible to the right of the trees in the left foreground. A diagonal scratch of approximately 3 cm is visible centre right. Just below this are several very small paint losses. Small scattered retouchings, which have discoloured, are visible at the centre of the waterfall. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an even varnish and confirms the above mentioned repair and retouchings. Overall, other than the repair and minor retouchings and losses, in good condition. A view of the large cascade: the paint surface is secure and stable. There are traces of impasto in the white highlights, the vegetation and the clouds. There is evidence of minor frame abrasion along the lower edge. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an even varnish and no signs of retouching. Overall in excellent condition. Both works are offered in gilt molded French eighteenth-century style frames, with a few very minor 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."

The Cascata delle Marmore is the tallest waterfall in Italy, and the tallest man-made waterfall in Europe. Rising up to 650ft., the falls were first constructed by the ancient Romans, where the river Velino drains into the larger river Nera, near Terni, about 60 km. north of Rome. The falls were popular sites for eighteenth-century vedutisti; Giovanni Battista Busiri, for instance, executed tempera drawings and a painting of the same view.¹ Châtelet himself repeated these compositions with identical staffage a number of times: compare, for example, the View of the Cascade del Marmore, sold, London, Sotheby's, 7 July 2011, lot 356, or the pendants sold, New York, Sotheby's, 13 October 1989, lot 67 (one of which was inscribed on the stretcher with the location of the site).

1 See A. Busiri Vici, Giovanni Battista Busiri, Rome 1966, p. 127, figs 196 and 197.