Claude Vignon

P.P. Pacht Bassani, Claude Vignon 1593-1670, Paris 1992, cat. no. 362, p. 394 (as 'lost?).

The original is a little less red in tone than the catalogue illustration. The canvas has recently been relined and restretched, a little unevenly. The paint surface is however still dirty and the varnish layer very discoloured. Inspection under ultra violet reveals no major damages or repairs. There is an old line of vertical damages, probably old tears running down from two losses at the bottom of the saints beards through a line of fine old tears perhasp 30 cm in length in line with his wrist. A regular 10 cm tear or scratch lies to the right of these and another 10 cm in length is to be found in the background just above the Saints hands. Two old creases or tears in the lower right hand corner have been touched out and there is a series of old repaired losses mostly 0.5 by 0.5 cm or less in the Saints hair especially where it joins his robes and in the background of his hailo behind. Other retouchings are scattered or very minor in nature. The paint surface otherwise is very well preserved with nearly all the orginal impasto and little sign of wear. The old restoration has now discoloured and is visible to the naked eye. This lot is offered with a later gilt plaster frame with bead and oak leaf mouldings with numerous small chips and minor damages.
"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."

We are grateful to Madame Paola Pacht Bassani for confirming the attribution to Vignon and dating this work to the 1630s after first-hand inspection. The signature, in the background lower left, has been cut in half which suggests that the canvas has been reduced by approximately two inches on the left-hand edge. The engraving also shows an ink pot visible towards the top-most edge of the books which has presumably been likewise lost in the reduction. The engraving is known from only one state, and was probably published by Jean le Blond (Paris, circa 1594-1666) in the artist's lifetime. Bassani suggests that this engraving was probably made by Jérôme David and may have originally formed part of a series of the four Apostles.

1. See P. P. Bassani, under Literature, no. 362G, p. 394-5)

 

Engraved

Etching, anonymous, and undated, inscribed along the border: S. MARCVS./INITIVM EVANGELII IESV CHRISTI FILII DEI. SICVT SCRIPTVM, and further inscribed lower right: le Blond excud auec priuilege.