- 60
A PAIR OF ITALIAN TROMPE L'OEIL SCAGLIOLA PICTURES BY PIETRO SEYTER ROME, DATED 1749
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- wood, scagliola
- height with frame 18 1/2 in.; width with frame 22 in.
- 47 cm; 56 cm
signed Pietro Seyter, both with multiple chalk inventory marks to reverse
Condition
Unique and gorgeously executed scagliola pictures. Good quality and ready to place. Faux porphyry decorated frames with losses and chips to decoration and frame. Old wood worm damage. Surface cracks. One with a greyish vertical line to surface of left side; probably water damage. Scattered surface stains and abrasions. One with a 1/2 inch triangular loss to upper right hand corner.
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
Scagliola is a form of plaster that is manipulated to imitate hardstone and marble. While it was first documented in the Roman era, it flourished in Renaissance Italy. Scagliola could replace costly, heavy marble for fireplaces, columns, and other decorative architectural elements. In this example, however, Pietro Seyter uses scagliola in a refined, delicate, small-scale manner to create a true work of art.
Pietro Seyter was part of a large family of scagliola artists who were known for their bicolored works (typically red cross hatching on a white background) and their unique use of trompe l'oeil. Many works by the Seyter family depict taped up drawings, such as the present example, or cards and other paper material strewn across a marble surface. The patriarch of this family was Daniel Seyter (known as Daniele Fiammingo), who was born in Vienna in 1649 and died in Turin in 1705. Pietro, Amedeo and Tarsilla Vittoria Seyter were all relatives of Daniel who were active in Rome in the 18th century.
Pietro Seyter was part of a large family of scagliola artists who were known for their bicolored works (typically red cross hatching on a white background) and their unique use of trompe l'oeil. Many works by the Seyter family depict taped up drawings, such as the present example, or cards and other paper material strewn across a marble surface. The patriarch of this family was Daniel Seyter (known as Daniele Fiammingo), who was born in Vienna in 1649 and died in Turin in 1705. Pietro, Amedeo and Tarsilla Vittoria Seyter were all relatives of Daniel who were active in Rome in the 18th century.
Pietro was Daniel's second son and trained as a military architect. During that part of his career, he designed and built the fortifications of Turin for Cardinal Gualtieri, and also worked on projects for Pope Clemente XI. Other similar scagliola works by him were sold Sotheby's London, July 6, 2010, lot 12.