Marco Ricci

Bears a red seal on the back of the frame Ca... L.A.R. Il Principe. D. Leopoldo

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 painting has an old glue lining and the condition seems to be quite good, despite the fact that the varnish has become milky and it is hard to gauge the depth of the paining. A few spots of retouch are visible under ultraviolet light in very random areas, but there do not appear to be any other restorations beyond these which have also discolored and which are quite visible in the center of the background and in the masonry above the standing figure in armor. Overall the condition is most likely better than it looks and this picture will respond well to the right varnish and retouching.
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.

Marco Ricci was trained by his uncle, Sebastiano Ricci, and probably began his career in Venice in 1690s concentrating on history painting. It seems more likely that he travelled to Rome before 1700 where he drew attention to himself as a landscapist and perspective painter. In the present Capriccio, which is typical in the artist's work, Ricci clearly expressed his great interest in the architectural elements from the antique period.

We are grateful to Dottssa. Annalisa Scarpa Sonino for endorsing the attribution to Marco Ricci on the basis of photographs.