Antonio Gionima

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The copper panel is in good condition and the paint layer is secure but there is evidence of previous instability leading to blistering and subsequent loss, now restored, e.g. the shadows to the drapery of the standing figures and the back of the head of the kneeling figure and his red breeches, also, the rocks and the grass. All these can be detected under ultraviolet light along with a minor scattering of loss to the sky. The impastoed paint is well preserved and there is little abrasion to be detected anywhere. The varnish has discoloured and removing it will improve the tonality. Offered in a gilt wood frame in good condition."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Antonio Gionima was the son of the painter Simone Gionima (c.1655-1730) and was a pupil first of Aureliano Milani (1675-1749) and then of Giuseppe Maria Crespi (1665-1747). Through the influence of this latter master, he continued the tradition of Bolognese classicism. The treatment of the figures in the present painting, in particular the armoured soldiers, can be compared to those in other works by Gionima, such as the Mucius Scaevola before King Porsena sold Milan, Sotheby's, 7 June 2000, lot 169 and a Jael and Sisera in a Private Collection.¹

Louis IX, King of France (1214-70) was canonized in 1292 for his involvement in the Crusades in Egypt and Palestine.

We are grateful to both Prof. Daniele Benati and Prof. Andrea Emiliani for independently endorsing the attribution to Gionima on the basis of photographs.

1. See A.Cera, La pittura Bolognese del' 700, Milan 1994, no. 11, reproduced.