Gregorio Lazzarini

The painting is lighter and brighter than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an old relining which still holds well. There are two vertical additions to the canvas along the left and right edges, probably added to enlarge the picture in order to fit its current frame: the same was done to the painting that hung as its pendant until recent (lot 197 in this sale). Both pictures appear not to have been cleaned or restored for some time. The paint was solidly applied and has not suffered from wear. There are localised areas of damage, most of which are visible in the catalogue illustration: a number of retouchings occur in the sky upper left; on the face and neck of the leftmost soldier; on the upper right arm, face and chest of the man cutting the bull's hide (though the latter are minor); on Dido's right eybrow, her right shoulder and a more significant area of damage on her chest, above her exposed breast. Much of the paint surface has survived well, however, particularly the head of Dido. The varnish impedes inspection under ultra-violet light and has oxidised on the secondary figures and in the lower part of the composition. The painting will greatly improve after sensitive cleaning and revarnishing. The later 19th-century gilt wood and plaster frame is in good condition overall, despite superficial knocks and damages (especially in the corners).
"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."

The subject of Dido and the bull's hide is taken from the Aeneid and illustrates both the ingenuity of Dido and tells the story of the founding of Carthage. After fleeing Tyre and landing on the shores of North Africa, Dido bartered with the local king Iarbas to acquire some land. Attempting to drive a hard bargain, Iarbas agreed to give Dido as much land as the hide of a bull could cover. However, Dido cut a bull's hide into thin strips and used them to outline a large area of land, thereby outwitting Iarbas and securing some living space for her and her followers. It was on that site that Dido built Carthage and became its queen.

We are grateful to Dott. Fabrizio Magani for endorsing the attribution on the basis of an image.

The Château de Buzay is an exemplum of architectural harmony and has been inhabited by the same family since its construction in 1770.