Filippo Lauri

The canvas has a firm relining and the paint surface is stable and slightly dirty. The varnish fluoresces fairly opaquely under ultraviolet light, making it difficult to discern old restoration, but there appear to have been two campaigns. There is older strengthening to the dark robe beneath Venus' leg and scattered retouchings along all four margins. There is a recent line of retouching, 2 cm. long, in the foliage above the satyr's head, but overall the painting does not appear to have received extensive intervention. Offered in a plaster gilt frame with a loss to the right-hand side.
"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."

There are several autograph and studio versions of the present composition. These include one in the Museo Civico, La Spezia, one at Burghley house, and two sold in these rooms: the first on 12 December 1962, lot 46, from the collection of the Duke of Montague, and another sold 8 July 1987, lot 235. The Montague version was engraved by William Walker and published in 1767 by J. Boydell as one of a series of twelve prints after Lauri. The pose of Venus was used again by Lauri in a painting of Mars before Venus, recorded by Zeri as being with M. Spink in London in 1969.¹

1. Fondazione Federico Zeri, no. 103486.