Lot 16
  • 16

Circle of Giovanni Battista Piazzetta

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

Description

  • Portrait of a boy, head and shoulders, facing left, in Polish dress
  • oil on canvas, unframed

Condition

The canvas has an old glue relining which is firm and the paint surface is stable, though a little flattened and abraded in the shadows and the darks of the hat. strips of modern wood have been affixed to the edges of the stretcher, presumably to assist with framing. The painting has an old and rather dirty varnish. This fluoresces a milky green under UV which inhibits a clear reading though minor retouches are visible here and there. The painting is offered unframed.
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

This painting follows Giovanni Piazzetta's composition, the prime version of which is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield.1  The numerous versions and copies are testament to the portrait's popularity and the present canvas was likely executed by a pupil in Piazzetta's studio, perhaps Domenico Maggiotto.  

We are grateful to Professor Lino Moretti for suggesting the possible attribution to Domenico Maggiotto.

1. R. Pallucchini and A. Mariuz, L'opera completa del Piazzetta, Milan 1982, p. 94, cat. no. 85, reproduced.