"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The canvas is lined and the paint surface is raised but secure with prominent stretcher marks. There is a small damage mid-right and a restored loss lower right. Apart from 1 or 2 further minor losses the painting can be said to be in a good untouched condition. If the degraded opaque varnish were removed the tonal difference would be significant. Offered in a modern carved gilt wood frame, good condition."
"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."

We are grateful to Prof. Nicola Spinosa for endorsing the attribution to Paolo de Matteis and for proposing a date of execution after 1710.

The subject is taken from Ovid's Metamorphoses (V:572-641). The river god Alpheus fell in love with Arethusa while she was swimming in his waters and pursued her over the land. After a long chase, the fleeing nymph appealed to Diana for protection and she transformed Arethusa into a stream which travelled underground to a distant island.