Salvator Rosa

Pierre Crozat, his numbering in pen and black ink, lower right: 76 (L.3612);
Purchased from Meatyard, December 1924

Laid down. There is some slight discoloration, particularly to the four edges of the sheet. There are some very small stains and areas of surface dirt throughout. The drawing otherwise remains in predominantly good condition.
"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."

This real view of Castelnuovo, Naples, bears a faintly inscribed old attribution to Salvator Rosa, which should be taken seriously.  Although this attribution cannot be proved, as no other similar drawings of real views by the artist are known, the present work could have been executed at a very early stage of Rosa's career.  It is very delicately drawn with a staccato line, and embellished by fluent light brown wash.  It is interesting to note that the biographer Giovan Battista Passeri in his Vite (1772), does mentions that the young Rosa liked to paint real views and marine landscapes outside Naples.¹

^1. G.B. Passeri, Vite de' pittori, scultori ed architetti che hanno lavorato in Roma, ed. Bologna 1976, p. 417