- 430
Attributed to Luca Giordano, called Fa Presto
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Luca Giordano, called Fa Presto
- Democratus, half-length, holding papers and a book
- inscribed on the page, lower left: MISON HOR PENTITO / D'HAVER FAVELATO, MA / D'HAVE TACIVTO MAI.
- oil on canvas
Provenance
Anonymous sale, Vienna, Dorotheum, 12 October 2011, lot 452 (as Luca Giordano).
Condition
Oil on canvas with an old lining. Picture surface has a bright varnish. There is a very finely patterned web of craquelure that is slightly raised across the entire surface. Areas of smoother pigment, likely tinpaint o address a previous tear, in the upper right corner. Additional smooth pigment and likely repairs in the proper right chest of the subject. Under UV light the varnish fluoresces green and has been selectively cleaned, especially around the skintones. Scattered areas of repaint in the background.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
When offered for sale in 2011 (see Provenance) this lot and the previous were catalogued by Nicola Spinosa and offered with his letter of authentication.
These paintings were likely part of a series of twelve Greek philosophers, a popular subject in painting and sculpture in the 17th century. The figures’ appearance and clothing were often inspired by contemporary impoverished citizens. Early in his career Giordano's style was heavily influenced by Ribera, and this subject was popular with both artists, who painted the philosophers multiple times throughout their careers (see O. Ferrari & G. Scavizzi, Luca Giordano: L'opera completa, Naples 1992, p. 88, no. A23; fig. 94, no. A26b; fig, 96, no. A29).
These paintings were likely part of a series of twelve Greek philosophers, a popular subject in painting and sculpture in the 17th century. The figures’ appearance and clothing were often inspired by contemporary impoverished citizens. Early in his career Giordano's style was heavily influenced by Ribera, and this subject was popular with both artists, who painted the philosophers multiple times throughout their careers (see O. Ferrari & G. Scavizzi, Luca Giordano: L'opera completa, Naples 1992, p. 88, no. A23; fig. 94, no. A26b; fig, 96, no. A29).