ATTRIBUTED TO PIERRE-ADRIEN PÂRIS | View of the Temple of Serapis, at Pozzuoli, near Naples

Hinge mounted in three places along the upper edge to a modern mount. This drawing remains in very fine condition throughout with the red chalk medium fresh and vibrant and the image strong. Sold 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. 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."

The composition of this drawing, in which the somewhat dilapidated, yet utterly picturesque scenery of the Temple of Serapis, at Pozzuoli, are depicted, is also known through a number of autograph versions by Pâris' celebrated contemporary, Hubert Robert.¹ Robert's original design was subsequently engraved by Charles Guttemberg for inclusion in the Abbé de Saint-Non’s travel book Voyage pittoresque, ou description des royaumes de Naples et de Sicile,² and the present drawing shares many compositional similarities with the engraving. There are, however, a number of notable differences, most significantly the two figures on the left side of the composition who are depicted in Robert's drawing and the print that is based on it as two women in conversation rather than, as here, a woman with a man whispering in her ear. The robust handling of the red chalk medium found in this work can also be compared on stylistic grounds with a drawing by Pâris, depicting a view of The Fountain of Arethusa in the Gardens of the Villa d'Este,³ previously on the French art market in 2005.

^1. See J.H. Fragonard e H. Robert a Roma, exhib. cat., Rome, Villa Medici, 1991, p. 99, no. 47, p. 127, tav. XV, reproduced
^2. Ibid., p. 99, no. 47d, reproduced
^3. Sale, Paris, Christie's, 17 March 2005, lot 383