Joseph Werner

Vellum laid down on panel. The vellum has very slightly buckled, through this is only noticeable upon close inspection. There are some losses to the gouache, particularly at the four edges and some very minor areas of surface dirt. Otherwise in very fine condition with the medium fresh and vibrant throughout. Sold in a carved giltwood 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."

Although Joseph Werner's surviving oeuvre is small, in range his works can vary from miniatures of the utmost refinement to decorative works on a large scale.  After a long sojourn in Italy, he became best known as a miniaturist, in which capacity he worked for Louis XIV, typically rendering his models in classical guise.

The present work and the following lot are both exquisite examples of the artist's highly refined technique.  The subjects depicted both appear to have been taken from events surrounding the life of the mythological Greek hero Theseus, whose legend was established when he slayed the Minotaur on the island of Crete.

Lot 220 depicts Theseus being handed a ball of string by Ariadne, before departing for Crete where he was to face the Minotaur, which dwelt in an elaborate labyrinth.  The purpose of the string was of course to enable Theseus to navigate his way through the labyrinth and more importantly, to find his way out again.

The subject of the present work is less easy to interpret, though the presence of the ball of string on the floor would once again suggest that the seated figure is Theseus.  It seems likely that if this is indeed the case the slayed centaur, who lies at Theseus' feet, is Bianor, who had a fatal altercation with the Greek warrior during the Battle of the Lapiths and the Centaurs.