Lot 160
  • 160

TOMMASO SALINI, CALLED MAO | A fable from Aesop: the cat, the monkey and the chestnuts

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description

  • Tommaso Salini, called Mao
  • A fable from Aesop: the cat, the monkey and the chestnuts
  • oil on canvas
  • 144 x 193 cm.; 56 5/8  x 76 in.

Provenance

J. De Jong, Hilversum, before 1952 (according to a label on the reverse);
Private collection, New York;
Dino Franzin, Milan;
With Marco Grassi, New York;
From whom purchased by the present owner.

Exhibited

Sao Paolo, Museum de Arte de Sao Paolo, Caravaggio e Seus Seguidores, 28 August – 30 September 2012, no. 13.

Literature

R. Vodret (ed.), Caravaggio e Seus Seguidores, exh. cat., 2012, pp. 166–69, cat. no. 13, reproduced in colour.

Condition

The canvas has a firm relining, the paint surface is clean, and the varnish is clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouching along all four margins, particularly on the lower right and upper right corners, and along the lower margin. Other retouchings are scattered throughout the painting, largely to reduce the appearance of craquelure, with more concentrated areas in the chain above the central boy’s arm, his left shoulder, in the background beside his knee, through the girl’s red wrap, and in an area just below her hand. The largest of these measures approx. 6 x 15 cm. The painting requires no further intervention and is ready to hang.
"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

Salini was active in Rome in the wake of Caravaggio and specialised in domestic interiors with figures and animals. In the present work the cat has been duped by the monkey to work for his ends and steal the chestnuts from the fire. The tumult, illustrated by the flapping goose, arises when the man and the woman take notice of the theft. The moral of the story is that a thief cannot trust another thief.