Giovanni Tognolli

The painting is unframed. The canvas has been relined. Overall the painting is in fair condition for a canvas of this size. There are scattered areas of abrasion and there are some restored damages along the lower edge. Scattered retouchings are visible under UV and others are visible to the naked eye. There is a restored vertical tear of approximately 10 cm centre left. Overall the painting has retained its decorative impact.
"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."

Ancient sources refer to a fearsome race of warrior women who dwelt on the banks of the river Thermodon in Scythia in Samartia (the modern day Caucasus). Herodotus (484-425 BC), the father of modern history, relates that they were called 'Oiorpata' or 'man-slayers' in the Scythian language, although today we are more familiar with their Greek name 'Amazons', a name deriving from their practice of removing one of their breasts to enable them to fire their bows with greater ease and accuracy. The present subject is taken from the Life of Theseus by Plutarch (46-127 A.D.) and relates to the audacious invasion of Attica by the Amazons in retaliation for the kidnapping of their Queen Antiope by the Athenian King Theseus, and their subsequent defeat at the hands of the Greeks. The allegorical nature of the battle of matriarchal Amazons and the patriarchal Athenians was very popular and this battle of the sexes was reproduced on numerous occasions from classical times to the present day.
Tognolli worked as a draughtsman in the studio of the leading neoclassical sculptor Antonio (1757-1822), before setting up his own studio in Rome. The present epic treatment of the subject was probably completed while Tognolli was teaching at the British Academy in Rome.