Francesco Zuccarelli

Robert Francis St Clair-Erskine, 4th Earl of Rosslyn, (1833–90), Dysart, Fife, by at least 1883;
Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Gentleman'), London, Christie's, 29 January 1954, lot 168, for £3,500, to L. Koetser;
With Leonard Koetser, London.

Edinburgh, Royal Scottish Academy, Loan exhibition of works by Old Masters and Scottish National Portraits, 1883, nos 193 and 194 (lent by the Earl of Rosslyn).

F. Spadotto, Francesco Zuccarelli, Milan 2007, p. 164, cat. nos 356 and 357, reproduced p. 328. figs 356 and 357.

Both canvases are relined. The paint surfaces are clean and the varnish is slightly discoloured. Stretcher marks 4 cm from the upper and lower margins are visible to the naked eye. In the painting with the horse it is also appreciable some retouching to the centre background. Ultra violet inspection reveals a thin layer of varnish. The former picture presents extensive retouching to the margins and the sky. In the latter there is retouching to all four margins and in the left hand side to the pattern of craquelure. Overall both pictures are in good condition. Both works are offered unframed.
"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."

Spadotto dates these luminous, fluid paintings to Zuccarelli's second sojourn in England, between 1765–1771. The pyramid in the latter work reflects a contemporary taste for eastern exoticism, which Zuccarelli had already explored in paintings executed during his first English period, such as the Pilgrimage of Mecca series, commissioned by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester (1754–1842) for a set of tapestries, in which camels feature heavily. 

The present landscapes were clearly popular during Zuccarelli's own lifetime: two smaller autograph versions of the compositions, derived from the present prototypes, were formerly in the collection of Luciano Franchi, Meduna di Livenza, and were sold Paris, Artemesia, 24 June 2013, lot 48,¹ and two replicas by Francesco Zucchi (1692–1764) also exist.²

1. 76 x 94 cm.; see Spadotto 2007, p. 164, under cat. nos 356 and 357, reproduced in colour p. 89, plates XXXVII and XXXVIII.
2. See A. Cassini, 'Calepino friulano', in Il Noncello. Rivista d'arte e di cultura, no. 63, pp. 133–178.