Giulio Carpioni

The painting is lighter and less contrasted in tone than it appears in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has an old relining. The paint surface is dirty and the varnish discoloured. There are a number of horizontal folds and lines with discoloured retouchings throughout the painting which might indicate that the canvas was rolled at some point. There are a number of paint losses, all visible on the catalogue illustration; on and around the tree in the centre; near the two men; lower right near the frog; a repaired zig-zagging tear lower centre; further losses along the lower edge and a linear loss to the left of Leto and the boys. Where there are no losses the paint was solidly applied and has not suffered from wear (e.g. the figure of Leto and the two boys). Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals retouchings along the horizontal lines or folds mentioned above, mainly located in the sky, and a few other scattered around but there appear to be no other significant damages (besides those mentioned above). The painting will benefit from cleaning, restoration and perhaps relining. This lot is offered in a plain gilt wood frame which has various chips and damages but is structurally sound.
"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."

Leto, the mother of Apollo and Diana, stopped to drink at a lake in the land of Lycia and was prevented from doing so by some peasants working nearby. She punished them by turning them into frogs. Although this painting is unpublished, Carpioni turned to the subject on other occasions: in a painting in the Gemäldegalerie, Dresden, and in a drawing in the Museo Correr, Venice.¹

1. See G.M. Pilo, Carpioni, Venice1961, pp. 93 and 142, the painting reproduced fig. 131.