TUSCAN SCHOOL, CIRCA 1700 | A View of the Villa Salviati, Tuscany

Possibly comissioned by a member of the Salviati family, and thence by family descent at the Villa Salviati, Tuscany;
probably Arthur Vansittart (1807-59), Villa Salviati, Tuscany, by 1844;
probably whence brought to Foots Cray Place, Kent (according to an old handwritten label on the reverse);
Oswald Augustus Smith (1826-1902);
thence by descent to his granddaughter, Miss Nancy Oswald Smith (1896-1962), Shottesbrooke Park;
thence by descent

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is slightly dirty, and the varnish is relatively clear and even. There is some evidence of wear in the darker areas of the painting. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouching throughout, most notably an area in the sky upper left, to two horizontal lines in the sky upper centre, the longer of which measures 20 cm., in the sky upper right, and along the right margin's centre. There are also concentrated areas of retouching throughout the green foreground, and strengthening to the legs of the figure centre, and the legs of the horses gathered beside the house and walking along the path. In overall fair condition. Offered in a carved and giltwood Florentine 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 Villa Salviati, perched in the hills to the north of Florence, has a long and rich history. It originally formed part of the fortifications along the Mugnone river, before being transformed into a residential palace. The layout of the villa depicted here (and still recognisable in the appearance of the villa today) dates back to the early 16th century when it was home to the wealthy and influential Salviati family. In 1705, around the time that this view was painted, ownership of the villa passed from the Roman branch of the Salviati family (whose male heirs became extinct) to the Florentine Salviatis. Visible in this carefully rendered, topographically accurate portrait of the house is the separation of the outdoor spaces arranged by Alamanno Salviati (1510-71; see the following lot) and his son Jacopo between 1570 and 1579. Alamanno and Jacopo separated terraces and lawns (used for ceremonies, banquets and tournaments) with a columned wall from agricultural lands used for the commercial cultivation of citrus fruits and vineyards, olives, grain and barley. This division reflected the early modern belief that the suburban villa should serve for both otium (leisure) and negotium (business).

Arthur Vansittart (1807-59) started renting the Villa Salviati with his wife, Diana Crosbie, in 1836, eventually buying it, along with all its contents, in 1844. Much of the furniture and many of the pictures were brought to Foots Cray Place in Kent following the sale of the villa in 1854 (although the present work, and the following lot, do not appear to have been included in the Foots Cray sale of 1 May 1876).