Lot 801
  • 801

Roman School, 17th Century

Estimate
10,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Portrait of a knight hospitaller of the sovereign order of St. John
  • oil on canvas

Provenance

The Offizierskasino des Konigi, Sachs, Dresden;
Anonymous sale ("Property form a Private Collection"), London, Sotheby's, 7 December 2006, lot 189;
Private Collection, Malta.

Condition

The painting has been relined, possibly with horse hair; this has flattened the paint surface. There are multiple areas of retouching: One about 4 cm squared is mid left 40 cm. from top and 10 cm. from left edge. to immediate left of the sitter's head and along his right arm. The hands have had some light re-painting, and there a small patches of more recent paint in the top left. The most significant damage is a small rip 0.5 cm. in diameter. It is 45 cm. from top and 13 cm. form left edge. Along the lower edge there is damage of 1 cm. in depth caused by the frame and slightly visible whilst still framed.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The sitter is thought to be the 54th Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Alof de Wignacourt, who became Grand Master in 1601, when he was 54 years old, until his death in 1622. A portrait of the sitter painted by Caravaggio hangs in the Louvre, Paris. (See J.T. Spike, Caravaggio, New York and London 2001, reproduced p. 26, cat. no. 59).