AFTER GUIDO RENI AND ITALIAN SCHOOL, 18TH CENTURY, AFTER AN EARLIER ORIGINAL | Hercules on the pyre;Andromeda

The former: Maria Raineria Freiin von Waideck, Princess of Campofranco (1872–1936), and by descent to the present owner.
The latter: Archduke Heinrich of Austria (1828–91), and by descent to the present owner.

Andromeda: The painting is lined, the paint surface is slightly dirty, and the varnish discoloured and uneven. There is a small, diagonal line of paint loss approx. 1 cm. along the upper right edge, and some frame abrasion along the top half of the left edge. There is a small area of flaking to the left of the central left edge which seems stable. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a few small, scattered spots of retouching, as well as retouching to the craquelure to reduce its appearance, but it is difficult to discern more underneath the thick varnish. Hercules: The canvas is unlined, the paint surface is clean, and the varnish is clear and even. There is a small damage approx. 2 x 1 cm. in the upper right corner with associated paint loss (visible in the catalogue illustration), as well as a surface scratch along the centre of the upper edge, a repaired damage probably from a knock 1 x 2 cm. (upper left in the cloud), scuffing in the lower left corner, and a tiny paint loss (lower right in the foreground). Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouchings to the aforementioned areas, but no other retouchings are evident underneath the thick and streaky varnish.
"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 painting depicting Hercules is based on Guido Reni's canvas in the Musée du Louvre, Paris.¹  1 Inv. no. 538; E. Baccheschi, L'opera completa di Guido Reni, Milan 1971, p. 98, cat. no. 90, reproduced.