Artus del Monte

The support is made up of three horizontal panels which are stable and in good condition. The clean paint surface appears to the naked eye to be in good condition with the impasto well preserved. Inspection under UV light reveals some minor scattered retouchings which are more concentrated along the panel joins, but othwerwise confirms the good condition. Offered in a black octagonal wooden frame in good 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."

Very little is known of Artus Del Monte, but he is believed to have died in Rome in 1680, where he may have lived since 1633, and he may well have been the son of the Antwerp painter and humanist Deodat Del Mont (1582-1644).  Del Mont was a lifelong friend of Rubens, whom he accompanied to Italy between 1602 and 1608.  He married in 1615, and one of his daughters married Rubens' son.