Agostino Tassi

Purchased from Fosters, 8 June 1921

Laid down. Overall in fairly good condition. There is a small repaired tear that commences at the lower margin, towards the left corner, and runs upwards, approximately 2 cm. Some light yellow staining in the lower right and left corners of the sheet. Sheet is slightly wrinkled due to being laid down. Some light brown stains at the right margin. Pen and ink remains strong and vibrant.
"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."

This rapid and expressive pen and ink sketch of a shipwreck may relate to Tassi's coastal scenes, executed for the Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj in Rome under the supervision of Cardinal Innocent X.¹  Within Tassi's œuvre there are numerous canvases that depict marine scenes but the subject of the shipwreck is certainly used with frequency in his series for Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj.  These marine scenes are some of Tassi's latest recorded works and are dated to 1635.

1. Agostino Tassi, exhib.cat., Rome, Palazzo di Venezia, 2008, pp. 78-79