- 20
Raffaello Sorbi
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Raffaello Sorbi
- Saltarello Cavallucio (A Game of Leapfrog)
- signed and dated Raf: Sorbi / 1887 lower right
- oil on canvas
- 41 by 74cm., 16 by 29in.
Provenance
Roland, Browse and Delbanco Gallery, London (by 1946)
Private collection (sale: Sotheby's, London, 23 November 2000, lot 49)
Richard Green, London
Private collection, UK (purchased from the above; sale: Sotheby's, London, 15 November 2006, lot 262)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Private collection (sale: Sotheby's, London, 23 November 2000, lot 49)
Richard Green, London
Private collection, UK (purchased from the above; sale: Sotheby's, London, 15 November 2006, lot 262)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Condition
The canvas has not been lined. There is some very fine craquelure, notably in the sky, however this is not distracting. Ultra-violet light reveals notably some carefully applied, cosmetic retouchings in the sky, a thin line running to the right of the stick in the ground, and minor spots in the faces of the two men wearing a hat, to the left of the composition. The work is otherwise in good condition and ready to hang.
Presented in a decorative gilt frame, with nameplate.
"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."
"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
Throughout his career, Sorbi found inspiration for his paintings in the villages of Tuscany around his native Florence. Almost always, theatrical figures in eighteenth century costumes are set against bright landscapes observed directly from nature. Set on the banks of the Arno looking across at the foothills of the Pratomagno, Saltarello cavalluccio epitomizes Sorbi's colorful historicizing genre scenes set in the Tuscan countryside.
The naturalistic observation and historical idealization so evident here is reflective of the Macchaioli ideals that Sorbi would have been exposed to while training at the Florentine Academy. The Macchiaioli were opposed to the academic teaching style of the art academy, espousing instead the emerging French realist style, and these artists were also united politically in championing the Risorgimento, the cause of Italian unification, which came in 1871. The present work reflects both of these ideals. The landscape itself has been painted from direct observation, outside of the studio, and rendered in vigorous brushstrokes and luminous palette.
The figures, shown in period dress, reveal Sorbi's wish to depict Italy as a harmonized whole, in which camaraderie prevails and the classes live in harmony. In this vision, the nobility as well as local villagers share the pictorial space, enjoying a summer's afternoon on the banks of the Arno.
Regardless of any underlying messages, intended or not, Sorbi's colourful and playful paintings were enormously popular during his own lifetime, so much so that Adolphe Goupil, the renowned Parisian art dealer, signed an exclusive contract with the artist in 1872. Sorbi found recognition at home, too, and was awarded the highest Italian accolade, the Commendatore del Regno.
The naturalistic observation and historical idealization so evident here is reflective of the Macchaioli ideals that Sorbi would have been exposed to while training at the Florentine Academy. The Macchiaioli were opposed to the academic teaching style of the art academy, espousing instead the emerging French realist style, and these artists were also united politically in championing the Risorgimento, the cause of Italian unification, which came in 1871. The present work reflects both of these ideals. The landscape itself has been painted from direct observation, outside of the studio, and rendered in vigorous brushstrokes and luminous palette.
The figures, shown in period dress, reveal Sorbi's wish to depict Italy as a harmonized whole, in which camaraderie prevails and the classes live in harmony. In this vision, the nobility as well as local villagers share the pictorial space, enjoying a summer's afternoon on the banks of the Arno.
Regardless of any underlying messages, intended or not, Sorbi's colourful and playful paintings were enormously popular during his own lifetime, so much so that Adolphe Goupil, the renowned Parisian art dealer, signed an exclusive contract with the artist in 1872. Sorbi found recognition at home, too, and was awarded the highest Italian accolade, the Commendatore del Regno.