Daniel Seiter

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. This canvas has an old glue lining. The original canvas is made from three sections. The figure is situated mostly in a single piece by itself. One join runs through the face of the figure and horizontally to the other side and another runs vertically through the upper center of the landscape. These joins are raised but not broken. If the lining were to be reexamined, the joins would be considerably less visible, but the painting and paint layer are actually in beautiful condition. There is very little restoration except around the edges in places and so this picture is worthy of restoration and should be credited for its lovely condition.
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.

We are grateful to Professor Lino Moretti for identifying this painting to be a work by Daniel Seiter.  He compares it with the Venus and Adonis by Seiter at Pommersfelden (reproduced in M. Kunze, Daniel Seiter 1647-1705, Die Gemälde, München-Berlin, 2000, plate 28).

Seiter stayed in Venice from 1670-80 where he trained in the studio of Johann Carl Loth.  He then moved to Rome where he became closely associated with Carlo Maratti and became a member of the Accademia di San Luca.  His career culminated in Turin where worked in the service of Vittore Amedeo II, Duke of Turin and eventually became first court painter.