Lot 74
  • 74

GIOVANNI BATTISTA TIEPOLO | Caricature of a Gentleman, standing in profile to the left

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description

  • Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
  • Caricature of a Gentleman, standing in profile to the left
  • Pen and brown ink and wash, the corners cut and made up
  • 173 by 109 mm

Provenance

Probably from the album Tomo terzo de caricature;
probably Count Bernardino Algarotti Corniani;
probably Breadalbane family;
Langton House, Dun, Berwickshire;
sale, Edinburgh, Dowells, 25 March 1925, lot 1004 (bought by J. Grant, bookseller, Edinburgh);
Arthur Kay, Edinburgh;
sale, London, Christie's, 9 April 1943;
Sir Robert Witt (L.2228b);
sale, London, Christie’s, 20 April 1993, lot 126

Condition

Partially laid down to a paper backing which has subsequently been hinged along the left edge to a modern mount. The four corners have been cut and made up. There is some light scattered foxing throughout. The media remains in good, original condition 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

This spirited caricature is very close in execution and style to others by G.B. Tiepolo in his Tomo terzo di caricature, dated by Knox to the period of 1754-62.  The Tomo Terzo, formerly in the Algarotti-Corniani collection, was dismantled in order to be sold at Christie's on 9 April 1943.  Tiepolo's caricatures must originally have been preserved in three volumes, and in an 1854 catalogue of the Algarotti-Corniani collection, two such volumes are listed, containing 'una copiosa collezione di disegni umoristici del Tiepolo'.1    1.  G. Knox, Tiepolo, A Bicentenary Exhibition, exhib. cat., Cambridge, Mass., Fogg Art Museum, 1970, no. 87