Giacomo Quarenghi

Drawing laid down on the original old mount , which although cut a bit around top, right and left margins appears well preserved. Overall in good condition, the watercolor fresh. In a few places there are tiny areas of rubbing, for example above archway top left, but these are very insignificant tiny abrasions and do not affect the general fresh appereance of the work. Not framed
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.

Very similar to the view by Quarenghi now in the Hermitage, St. Petersburg (inv. 25819).¹ There are small differences in the architecture, the two figures on the right of the St. Petersburg drawing are missing in the present sheet, and the statue of Hercules is seen from a closer point of view.  Representations of celebrated antique sculptures in their interior or exterior locations were very popular with collectors and tourists in the eighteenth century.  Quarenghi's drawings of this type are generally believed to have been made during his last Roman visit, between 1775 and 1779. The present drawing is still on its original light blue mount, which is numbered 63 in pen and ink at the bottom left corner.

1. See Giacomo Quarenghi, exhib. cat., Bergamo, Palazzo della Ragione, 1994, no. 234, illus.