Lot 21
  • 21

Salvator Rosa

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Salvator Rosa
  • An animal nursing a child while a second child and a seated man look on, possibly a scene from the lives of Romulus and Remus
  • Red chalk, within traces of black chalk framing lines

Provenance

Probably Queen Christina;
thence by inheritance to Decio Cardinal Azzolini and Marchese Pompeo Azzolini;
Prince Livio Odescalchi;
thence by descent to Prince Ladislao Odescalchi;
with Galerie Gerda Bassenge, Berlin 1974

Literature

M. Mahoney, The Drawings of Salvator Rosa, New York and London 1977, vol. I, p. 674, cat. no. 79.6, reproduced vol. II

Condition

Laid down on paper, which in turn has been hinged to an old album page. The upper and lower edges of the sheet are somewhat uneven and there is some slight light brown staining to the centre of the sheet. The red chalk medium remains predominantly fresh throughout.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Mahoney places the present work within a relatively late group of compositional studies for subjects including Romulus and Remus, Milo of Crotona, Jonah and the Whale and Jacob watering Laban's flock.Dating this group to circa 1666, Mahoney tentatively suggests the subject portrayed in the present work as being that of Romulus and Remus, though he also points out that Sir Anthony Blunt suggested it might possibly relate to the Nursing of Cyrus.2

1. Mahoney, op. cit., vol. I, pp. 671-681

2. Ibid., pp. 672-673