Italian school, 19th century

The former painting has a recent relining. The paint surface is generally sound with some wear in the sky. Scattered retouchings and strengthenings are visible throughout and these flouresce under UV light. The latter painting has a fairly recent relining. The sky is again a little abraded but the paint surface is generally secure with some very scattered and very minor paint losses. There are some scattered retouchings and these agin flouresce under UV light. Both paintings are offered in carved wooden painted frames with some knocks and paint losses.
"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 corinthian columns of the 'Colonnace' mark the North East corner of the old Foro di Nerva which stood between the Foro di Augusto and the Foro della Pace. The Emperor Domitian began construction of the Foro di Nerva but it was completed by Nerva himself in 97 A.D.. The ruins stand at what would have been the lower end of the argiletum, the street which ran from the suburra to the forum, and had previously been occupied by private houses.  It was 150 metres long but only 45 metres wide. It was also known as the 'forum Minervae' - in dedication to the goddess - and 'transitorium' as it was a stopping place on the busy argiletum. The frieze of the original ruins is decorated with reliefs representing Minerva among the nine muses, the punishment of Ariachne, as well as several household scenes, whose activities often came under the protection of Minerva. 

The second painting depicts the Roman Forum from the bottom of the Campidoglio.  For hundreds of years the Forum was known as Campo Vaccino, the Cow Field, as it was abandoned and no-one knew of the central place it used to occupy in the life of the city.