Ilario Spolverini

Probably in the present family's collection since the beginning of the twentieth century.

The paintings are warmer in tone and less green in colour than the catalogue illustrations would suggest. Both canvases have been relined and despite surface dirt and yellow varnish over each, their paint surfaces appear to be in good overall condition, each retaining a nice impasto and texture in the paint. The first (as illustrated at the top of the page in the catalogue) appears to have no damage except for several very minor scattered old paint losses lower right, lower left and in the upper centre which are only visible under a raking light. The second (as illustrated at the bottom of the page in the catalogue) has a very minor old loss in the cloud upper centre and a small raised flake of paint directly above the left most figure's upraised sword, as can both be seen in the catalogue illustration. Examination of the first under ultraviolet reveals old minor scattered retouchings in the sky, some cosmetic stengthening to the forms of the figures, and some more recent minor scattered infilling to old craquelure in the centre of the figure group however the thick varnish impedes proper inspection. Examination of the second, reveals similar retouching in the sky and to the figures, and possibly retouching to what may be an old repaired minor vertical tear running approx. 3 in through the middle mounted figure in the centre, but again the varnish impedes inspection, however both pictures appear to be in good overall ready to hang condition. Both are offered in matching glazed giltwood frames with minor losses.
"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."

Despite the double-headed eagle of the Austro-Hungarian flag being prominent in both paintings, the two battle scenes are unlikely to represent actual events. They are probably inspired by the events of the Great Turkish War of 1683-1699 when the Ottomans marched on Vienna with 140,000 men. Other examples of Spolverini's battle scenes between Christians and Turks include the works in the Palazzo Farnese in Piacenza and the Museo di Sanvitale in Fontanellato.¹



1. See G. Sestieri, I pittori di battaglia, Rome 1999, p. 486, reproduced figs. 10 and 11.