Venetian School, 18th Century

With Silvano Lodi, Munich, from whom acquired by Dr Rau 22 April 1971;
Bequeathed by Dr. Rau to the Foundation of the German Committee for UNICEF.

The canvas has a recent stable relining. The paint surface is generally very well- preserved. The figure group and landscape remain largely untouched, other than the leftmost saint's blue habit which has undergone some extensive restoration. The sky has suffered from several small losses, particularly in the upper right, all of which have been repaired. This is sold in a modern guilt frame.
"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."

Although the prototype for this picture is unknown, it is compositionally similar to The Calling of Saint Peter by Sebastiano Ricci now in the Seminario Gregoriano in Belluno, which originally formed part of an altarpiece housed in the Church of Saint Peter, Belluno. Two preparatory studies for this picture by Ricci are in the Windsor Castle album (inv. No. 7191 & 7195).¹

1. See J. Daniels, L’Opera completa di Sebastiano Ricci, Milan 1976, no. 164 & 164¹, p. 102, reproduced p. 101.