- 73
Studio of Guido Reni
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Saint Cecilia, three-quarter length, before a purple curtain, her organ in the background
- oil on original canvas
Provenance
Possibly Roman private collection, early 18th century (according to M. Oretti, see Literature);
Windham Carmichael Anstruther (1793-1869), 7th bt of Nova Scotia, and 4th bt of Great Britain, Elie House, co. Fife, Scotland;
Alexander Dennistoun (1790-1874), Golfhill, Glasgow, Scotland;
His sale, London, Christie's, 9 June 1894, lot 71 (as Guido Reni);
There acquired by Thomas James Gribble (1851-1905);
Private collection, United Kingdom, by descent, until acquired by the present owner.
Windham Carmichael Anstruther (1793-1869), 7th bt of Nova Scotia, and 4th bt of Great Britain, Elie House, co. Fife, Scotland;
Alexander Dennistoun (1790-1874), Golfhill, Glasgow, Scotland;
His sale, London, Christie's, 9 June 1894, lot 71 (as Guido Reni);
There acquired by Thomas James Gribble (1851-1905);
Private collection, United Kingdom, by descent, until acquired by the present owner.
Literature
Possibly M. Oretti, Notizie de Professori del Disegno, cioè Pittori, Scultori ed Architetti bolognesi e de forestieri di sue Scuole raccolte da Marcello Oretti, M.S. 126, Comune di Bologna, vol. IV, p. 256;
Condition
Wax lined. This painting is in generally healthy condition with minimal damage and nice retention of original paint. Due to the lining or an earlier cleaning, the red ground is faintly visible in isolated areas, for example in the blues of her clothing and in the blue drapery at upper left. UV light reveals minimal scattered retouches in face, chin, hands, and in upper left and center backgrounds. Unframed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The composition matches Marcello Oretti's description of a Saint Cecilia in a private collection in Rome in the 18th century: “Sta. Cecilia che mira in alto e l'organetto, in un altro luogo,” [trans.: Saint Cecilia looking upward and an organ, in another place] (see Literature).
Another version of the design, attributed to Giovanni Andrea Sirani and oval in format, can be found in the Musée du Louvre, Paris (inv. no. RF 3828); and an octagonal copy, given to an anonymous follower of Guido Reni was offered at Sotheby's London in 2000.1
An attribution to Giovan Giacomo Sementi has been proposed.
1. Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 2 November 2000, lot 359.