Salvator Rosa

Francis Russell, 7^th Duke of Bedford, Woburn Abbey, where the painting hung in the Small Breakfast-Room, before 1857;
By descent to John Russell, 13^th Duke of Bedford;
His sale, London, Christie's, 19 January 1951, lot 53, for 35 gns. to Leger (as 'Diogenes', with measurements of 25 1/2 by 19 in.);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 15 July 1960, lot 124, for 100 gns. to Sasso (as 'Diogenes', with measurements of 26 by 19 in.).

Lady Morgan, The Life and Times of Salvator Rosa, 1824, vol. II, p. 371;
G.F. Waagen, Treasures of Art in Great Britain, vol. IV, London 1857, p. 334 ('Diogenes. A bust picture. Of Great energy of forms and colour').

The catalogue illustration is representative of the painting. The canvas has an effective relining which has not overly flattened the paint surface. The paint surface appears a little flattened and abraded in the background and head gear but the impasto is well preserved on the figure's face. A small area of discoloured retoration (presumably an old hole) of 5 by 6 cm is present lower left. Unfortunately inspection under UV light is not conclusive due to the thick relective varnish though the face does appear to be in good condition. Offered in a modern wooden frame in fair 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. 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."

This type of head study was known in the seventeenth century as a 'testaccia'. The subject does not specifically allude to a historical character but Rosa tended to use this kind of dress for his depictions of Old Testament heroes or philosophers such as Saul in Saul and the Witch of Endor.¹ The work can be dated to circa 1650, around the same time as a similar 'testaccia' in the collection of Sir Denis Mahon, London.²



1. See L. Salerno, Salvator Rosa, Milan 1975, p. 101, cat. no. 210, reproduced.
2. Idem, p. 92, cat. no. 101, reproduced.