SEBASTIANO RICCI | Arcas and Callisto

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Sebastiano Ricci Bear hunt Oil on canvas, in a period gilt and black lacquer frame with minor loss The original canvas is lined; the lining is approximately 80 years old. The lining provides sufficient tension but the tacking edge has degraded. The original tacking edge has been extended, top and bottom, to increase the viewable paint area. These extended sections have been restored. Vertical stretcher marks, to left and right, are visible with very slight paint loss down them. Under raking light the textured nature of the canvas is apparent. The paint layer is in a good preserved condition. A small 2 cm long scratch can be seen to the lower left corner along with a small repaired damage to the rear paw of the bear and a small restored damage in the sky above the spear thrower's arm. The spontaneity and bravura of the brushstrokes, particularly to the spear thrower and his horse, are evident and testament to the preserved state of the textured paint. The fine details, including subtle highlights and nuances of tone, are unaffected by any previous conservation intervention. Very slight abrasion to the more thinly applied paint in the sky has occurred and has been latterly strengthened. Removing the residue of an older discoloured varnish will improve the overall tonality and reveal colours that retain their vibrancy.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."