- 56
Denys Calvaert
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Denys Calvaert
- The conversion of Saul
- signed lower right: DIONISI / CALVART / ANTVER
- oil on canvas
Provenance
Sonnenmoser Collection, Vienna, by 1922;
Anonymous sale, Berlin, Internationales Kunst und Auktionshaus, 9-10 December 1929, lot 180 (as measuring 100 by 140 cm.);
Dr. Felix Koenigsberger, Berlin (by whom lost circa 1933);
Anonymous sale, Berlin, Hans W. Lange, 5-6 October 1943, lot 8 (as measuring 100 by 132 cm.);
Anonymous sale, Venice, Semenzato Casa d'Aste, 14 November 1999, lot 62;
Thereafter on the art market, Rome;
There purchased by the present owner.
Anonymous sale, Berlin, Internationales Kunst und Auktionshaus, 9-10 December 1929, lot 180 (as measuring 100 by 140 cm.);
Dr. Felix Koenigsberger, Berlin (by whom lost circa 1933);
Anonymous sale, Berlin, Hans W. Lange, 5-6 October 1943, lot 8 (as measuring 100 by 132 cm.);
Anonymous sale, Venice, Semenzato Casa d'Aste, 14 November 1999, lot 62;
Thereafter on the art market, Rome;
There purchased by the present owner.
Literature
C. Stephenson and T. Frimmel, Neue Blätter für Gemäldekunde, Vienna, 1922, pp. 100-104, reproduced (as measuring 100 by 140 cm.);
A. Pigler, Katalog der Galerie Alter Meister, Tübingen 1968, p. 113, under no. 1266.
A. Pigler, Katalog der Galerie Alter Meister, Tübingen 1968, p. 113, under no. 1266.
Condition
Canvas is relined. The varnish appears fresh and not discolored. This picture appears to have been sensitively restored sometime in the recent past, as evidenced by the numerous but small and minutely applied retouches, which are visible under UV. These areas can be found in the hands and forearms of the central pair of figures as well as what appears to be a possible repaired tear extending 6 inches by 6 inches in the chest of Saul. Other more cosmetic retouches are applied throughout, but these appear to have been done in a professional manner. The painting could certainly hang in its current condition. In a carved giltwood frame.
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
In this impressive composition, Denys Calvaert—one of the first Flemish artists to migrate to Italy—employs vivid colors and sharp contrasts to dynamically illustrate the New Testament account of Saint Paul’s conversion. The meticulously rendered figures of the stunned Saint Paul and his attendant in the painting's foreground bear striking similarities to Calvaert’s pen and ink drawing dated to 1579 in the collection of the Musée du Louvre (Inv. 19837).