MICHELANGELO CERQUOZZI | Commedia dell'Arte troupe performing in an interior

Anonymous sale, Zürich, Schuler, 11 December 2009, lot 4315.

The canvas has an old relining. This picture is in overall quite good condition with beautiful retention of shading and coloration throughout. As is typical with 17th century works on canvas there has been some thinning in the darker passages which are mostly in the background of the composition. There appears to be an older, slightly opaque varnish evenly throughout, which would benefit from a surface cleaning and replacement. This discolored varnish is noticeable in some of the colored areas including the blues and greens of the figures' drapery. UV light reveals a few minor scattered retouches in the dark background, but the figures are well preserved and do not appear to have any major losses or damage. In a carved gilt wood frame.
"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."

The Commedia dell'Arte was a subject popular with the Bamboccianti, the group of Northern European artists active in Rome in the 1630s around Pieter van Laer (nick-named il Bamboccio), who specialised in paintings of low-life scenes set in the Roman campagna. Here, depicted lower left and right are the zanni - the clowns - one in bright costume, drinking from a flagon, another with a long nose and guitar watching the musical gathering on the stage. Behind him is the doctor, a character habitually portrayed as an incompetent charlatan - he is shown here leading a hapless buffoon, most probably towards some kind of quack form of treatment.