Valerio Castello
The Idolatry of Solomon
Estimate:
40,000
Valerio Castello
Valerio Castello
The Idolatry of Solomon
The Idolatry of Solomon
Estimate:
40,000
Lot sold:
75,600
GBP
Valerio Castello
Genoa 1624 - 1659
The Idolatry of Solomon
oil on canvas
unframed: 166.8 x 209.6 cm.; 65 7/8 x 82 1/2 in.
framed: 190.9 x 231.2 cm.; 75 1/4 x 91 in.
The large canvas has a firm lining, and the paint surface is slightly dirty with a slightly discoloured varnish. The paint surface is rather flat and there are discoloured retouchings visible scattered throughout. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals the extent of the campaign of retouching. Most notable are the repaired tears - 4 horizontal ones extending from the left margin (the longest extending to the centre of the composition), and 5 horizontal ones extending from the right margin (the longest approx. 80cm.). There are further repaired tears scattered throughout, including a network of tears along the centre of the upper margin.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.
Anonymous sale, Genoa, Boetto, 22 February 2010, lot 398, where acquired.
C. Manzitti, Valerio Castello, Turin 2004, pp. 203-04, cat. no. 232, reproduced.
The subject matter here is taken from the Book of Kings (1:11) which recounts how Solomon was led astray by some of his new wives (of which he is said to have had around 700), who encouraged him to worship false idols. The Old Testament subject of Solomon committing idolatry to please his many wives was popular during this period, because it allowed for the depiction of moral affront as well as of enticing female figures.
This is one of two representations of this subject by Castello; the second was in the collection of Francesco Peloso (1767-1835), Genoa, and has remained in that collection by descent.1 Castello's great talent is made evident through his ability to convey the same scene in two different yet both completely masterful ways.
In his 2004 catalogue, Manzitti suggests a dating of late in the artist's career for this work.
1 Manzitti 2004, p. 198, cat. no. 223, reproduced.