Giovanni Battista Langetti

Prince Giovanelli, Venice.

M Bonzi, Un Langetti, L'arte, 37, 1940, pp. 32-5;
R. Pallucchini, La pittura veneziana del Seicento, Milan 1981, p. 246, reproduced fig. 784;
M. Stefani Mantovanelli, Giovanni Battista Langetti, Saggi e memorie di storia dell'arte, 17, Florence 1990, p. 78, reproduced fig. 107;
M. Stefani Mantovanelli, Giovanni Battista Langetti : il principe dei tenebrosi, Soncino 2011, reproduced p. 227, cat. no. 140, reproduced p. 307, fig. 91.

The canvas is constructed of two horizontal canvases, the seam which joins them visible running across the central width of the painting. The canvas has been lined and the varnish is even but somewhat discoloured. Visible to the naked eye is a strip of blanched varnish in the raised hand of King Priam, and a small 1 in. diagonal scratch above Hector's right hand. The canvas has also had a small knock from behind, which has broken the paint surface, just under the white cloth under the King's chin. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouchings from old, minor damages, and scattered strengthenings, mostly in the shadows, the most significant of which appears to be a horizontal 1 by 5 in. area, upper right, in the dark tones to the left of the ruined column. In overall good condition. Offered in a narrow brass slip frame.
"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."

A second version of the present composition is recorded by Federico Zeri as having been on the market in Rome in 1990 and then by Mantovanelli in 2011 where it was described as depicting Alexander before the Corpse of Darius, and as being in a Genoese private collection.¹ The Genoese picture and the present painting differ only in the positioning of the head of Hector, and in the dimensions; the version in Genoa is recorded as measuring 260 x 290 cm. and was copied by Antonio Guardi whose painting is now in the Museum of Fine Art, Moscow.²

1. See Mantovanelli 2011, p. 306, fig. 90.
2. See Mantovanelli 2011, p. 227, fig. 1.