Mario Nuzzi, called Mario de' Fiori (Penna in Teverina 1603 - 1673 Rome) and Roman School, 17th Century

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. Both of these pictures have been recently restored and should be hung as is. The canvases have 19th or possibly 18th century linings which are supporting the paint layers nicely and the frames are beautiful. The paintings are in lovely condition with very little restoration to either work. Structurally the canvases are in lovely condition. There has been no abrasion to either paint layer and the flowers in both works are beautifully preserved. Any streakiness in the background is intentional. We are happy to highly recommend the condition of both pictures, particularly given their size and period.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

These grand still lifes, one by Mario de' Fiori (illustrated following page at left) and the other by an unidentified hand, form an impressive pair.  Mario de' Fiori, one of the most celebrated Roman painters to specialize in flower-pieces, was influenced by the Caravaggesque painter Tommaso Salini (it is thought that he may have trained under him) and by the work of the Neapolitan flower painter, Paolo Porpora, who was in Rome from the early 1650s working, as was Nuzzi, for Cardinal Flavio Chigi.  Mario de' Fiori enjoyed considerable international fame during his lifetime and was highly regarded for his vivid colour and intensely naturalistic portrayal of flowers. Many of his paintings were exported to Spain and his work had a profound influence on many Spanish painters, notably Juan de Arellano.  The other painting of this pair, while unattributed, appears to be by an artist working in Rome, influenced by both Mario de' Fiori and Porpora.