Filippo Falciatore

Piero Corsini, New York, from whom acquired circa 1979 by
A. Santillo, Washington, DC, New York, Sotheby's, 17 January 1992, lot 73 where purchased by
Rex Art Galleries, from whom acquired by the present owner

N. Spinosa, Pittura napoletana del Settecento dal Barocco al Rococò, Naples 1986, p. 153, cat. no. 227, reproduced, pp. 325-6, figs. 270-73

Three of the paintings are tightly relined and one (the painting with the dog in the foreground) has been laid down on masonite. the surfaces of all have been rather pressed, but the detail remains good and the paintings read well and and present very decorative images. under ultraviolet: all have some scattered retouches and inpaints of the craquelure. the painting with the young woman at far right nursing a baby has several larger areas of retouching along top and at bottom left. These are possibly overy old repaired tears. The painting with the page holding a parasol has a few larger areas of retouching at center. no further work is needed and these paintings are presentable in their present state. In gilt wood frames with some chips and losses to the gilding.
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.

This elegant set is published by Prof. Nicola Spinosa, who notes parallels between the figures in the present works with those in his two compositions, both entitled, The Garden Concert. The figures in conversation in an interior bear a strong resemblance to those in the Detroit Institute of Arts picture, while the figures strolling outdoors, the gentleman with an outstretched arm, correspond with the couple arm in arm in the background of the canvas formerly with David Koetser, Zurich.¹

Falciatore shows a freedom of imagination in these decorative configurations, enhanced by the pearlescent tones and exquisite luminosity present throughout the Neapolitan's work, resulting in playful yet refined compositions.    

 

1.  N. Spinosa, Pittura napoletana del Settecento dal Barocco al Rococò, Naples 1968, p. 153, cat. no. 225 and 226 respectively, reproduced plates 268 and 269.