Lot 32
  • 32

French School, 18th Century

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description

  • French School, 18th Century
  • The Cave of Neptune at Tivoli
  • oil on panel
  • 9 1/4 x 12 1/4 inches
  • 23.5 x 31.3 cm

Condition

The panel is cradled. The paint surface overall is well retained, there is a slight degree of thinness in the waterfall and distant landscape though this is likely due to it having been thinly painted to begin with. There is a small horizontal crack center right, approximately 2 in, long. The old varnish makes a reading under UV rather difficult. There appear to be some tiny inpaints of craquelure in the distant landscape, one or two in the rocks at left and a couple at the extreme upper left edge. There are one or two retouches to the rocks at the right side. The painting is ready to hang in its present state and offered in an elaborately carved gilt wood 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.

Catalogue Note

This charming landscape is likely by a close contemporary of Hubert Robert, the most important landscape artist in France in the 18th century.  Indeed, it has been suggested that this could be a very early work by Robert.