- 255
Andrea Lilio
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- Andrea Lilio
- Allegory of the Orsini Family
- Pen and brown ink and wash over red and black chalk, heightened with white, within red chalk and pen and brown ink framing lines;
bears pencil inscription on the old backing, verso: Possibly late Venetian
Provenance
Brian Westwood;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 28 March 1968, lot 15 (as Circle of Cesare Nebbia), purchased by Ralph Holland
sale, London, Sotheby's, 28 March 1968, lot 15 (as Circle of Cesare Nebbia), purchased by Ralph Holland
Exhibited
Newcastle, 1974, no. 20 (as Circle of Cesare Nebbia);
London, 1975, no. 14 (as Circle of Cesare Nebbia );
Newcastle, 1982, no. 12 (as Circle of Cesare Nebbia )
London, 1975, no. 14 (as Circle of Cesare Nebbia );
Newcastle, 1982, no. 12 (as Circle of Cesare Nebbia )
Literature
M. Pulini, 'L'antinaturalismo di Andrea Lilio,' Studi di Storia dell'Arte, 12, 2001, p. 65;
idem., Andrea Lilio, Milan 2003, p. 217, no. 46, reproduced (cropped image), and p. 230, under no. 7
idem., Andrea Lilio, Milan 2003, p. 217, no. 46, reproduced (cropped image), and p. 230, under no. 7
Condition
Laid down and also hinged in few places on a modern mount. A round loss at the top to the right of the standing figure and a further two losses to the right margins:on the arm of the other standing figure and the other lower were the papal umbrella is. A further loss in the lower center to the coat of arms on the left. These losses are due to silver fish. Cracks in the center due to a number of old vertical folds. A fold at the top right margin going across. Some oxidation of the white heightening and a crack below the face of the central figure of the soldier to the left of the podio. Some rubbing and surface dirt. Pen and ink and wash still vibrant
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This fascinating drawing is preparatory, in reverse, for the print of a very similar size executed by Francesco Villamena, in celebration of the Roman family, the Orsini. There are a number of small differences in detail from the print, but the basic composition is very similar. Six of the most important members of the Orsini family are represented as soldiers: four on the balustrade and two on the central podium. These include: Raimondo, Prince of Taranto (right foreground), and the generals Matteo, Ursino and Primiano; the Emperor Virginio and Paolo, who became Pope Niccolò III (1277-1280) in the left foreground. At the centre is a personification of Glory, seated on a throne, holding a statuette of Victory in the left hand and two laurel wreaths in the right. Above are two allegorical figures with trumpets, spreading the fame of the family, and below are defeated enemies and two prisoners in the immediate foreground. The print does not bear the name of the inventor but the present drawing is clear proof that it was done after Lilio's design. This elaborate composition is typical of the artist's style.