- 97
Spyridon Ventouras
Estimate
12,000 - 16,000 USD
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Description
- Spyridon Ventouras
- Scene from the life of Saint John Chrysostom
- signed and dated lower right: Σπυριδων Βεντȣρας εποει 1797
inscribed on a banner held by angels upper center: ἐλάλουν ἐν τοῖς μαρτυρίοις σου ἐναντίον βασιλέων καὶ οὐκ ᾐσχυνόμην / Loquebar de testimonijs tuis in conspectu Regum et non confundebar - tempera and oil on panel, gold ground, unframed
Provenance
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 11 November 2008, lot 89;
There acquired by the present collector.
There acquired by the present collector.
Condition
Painted on a thick uncradled panel that is very slightly bowed from side to side. There are two horizontal battens inset into the back of the panel near the top and bottom. The paint surface has been generally well retained and there is very nice detail in the figures and architecture, and strong coloration. There is an area of lifting visible at center in the right side of the building at left which runs into the sky area. This area appears to be stable at present. A few other very small losses can be seen in this area and some other small filled losses in the side of the building upper right and another at lower center near the bottom edge. Under UV light: retouches to some of the filled losses mentioned above fluoresce. Two larger areas of retouching can be seen in the upper left corner. A few other retouches can be seen in the angels upper left, on the soldier lower left and on the canopy center right. This painting could be hung in its present state, however a re-addressing of the old small losses and discolored old fills would improve the overall appearance.
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
Spyridon Ventouras was born on the island of Lefkada and spent most of his life on the Ionian Islands, but was trained as a painter in Venice. His oeuvre is comprised of both religious and secular paintings, including a portrait of the Pasha Ali.
The present painting depicts a scene from the life of John Chrysostom (circa 347-407), the Archbishop of Constantinople who is honored by the Orthodox and Catholic churches as a saint. Primarily celebrated for his skills as a preacher, theologian and liturgist, he is recognized for his denunciation of the abuse of authority by ecclesiastical and political figures, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. A gifted public speaker, after his death he was given the Greek surname chrysostomos, meaning 'golden-mouthed'. The angels above the scene hold a banner inscribed with Psalm 118.46, in Greek and then in Latin.
The present painting depicts a scene from the life of John Chrysostom (circa 347-407), the Archbishop of Constantinople who is honored by the Orthodox and Catholic churches as a saint. Primarily celebrated for his skills as a preacher, theologian and liturgist, he is recognized for his denunciation of the abuse of authority by ecclesiastical and political figures, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. A gifted public speaker, after his death he was given the Greek surname chrysostomos, meaning 'golden-mouthed'. The angels above the scene hold a banner inscribed with Psalm 118.46, in Greek and then in Latin.