Denys Calvaert

Private collection, Italy.

The copper plate is flat and structurally sound. The painting is beautifully preserved in general, the original glazes seemingly intact almost throughout. An area that has suffered is the blue cloak of the Virgin particularly the part in complete shadow which has oxidised and been the subject of restoration. Beyond that there are only small interventions, such as to a small area directly above the angel's head and the restoration of a loss in the background between the Angel and Virgin's face. There are a few very minor spot retouchings elsewhere in the background. Sold 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."

This hitherto unknown copper was painted by Denys Calvaert, one of the first Flemish artists to migrate to Italy. He focused almost exclusively on religious scenes and while he produced some excellent life-size altarpieces, he was arguably at his best when working on a smaller format, particularly on copper, a support which perfectly complemented his detailed brushwork and use of colour. This signed and dated example is from the artist’s most successful period and includes all his most admired features: vibrant colours, movement and pathos in the figures, sharp foreshortening, and the landscape upper right, which extends all the way to the horizon.

A figure very similar to that of the present Dominic can be found in reverse and in the guise of Saint Francis in a drawing by Calvaert depicting the Apparition of the Madonna to Saints Francis and Roch, in the Louvre's Cabinet des Dessins, Paris, inv. no. 2010.¹ Further similarities with works in the artist’s catalogue can be found in another copper of comparable dimensions from 1593–94 which represents the Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Angels in a landscape, at the National Gallery of Scotland, in which putti also descend from the clouds carrying a cross and other instruments of the Passion.

The artist's Flemish origins, proudly noted in the signature, are also mentioned in the copper sold Milan, Sotheby’s, 30 May 2006, lot 5, for 160,000 euros, in which he signed his name DIONISIO FIAMENGO.

1. F. Lugt, Inventaire général des dessins des écoles du nord, maîtres des anciens Pays-Bas nés avant 1550, Paris 1968, p. 128, cat. no. 621, reproduced plate 178.