- 323
Lombard School, 17th Century
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- The Philosopher Cassiodorus
- inscribed on the paper middle right: vera filosofia / meditatio mortis
- oil on canvas
- 69 1/4 x 48 1/4 inches
Provenance
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 25 January 2001, lot 194A;
There purchased by the present collector.
There purchased by the present collector.
Condition
Relined. under an old, dull varnish. there is generally very good retention of the paint surface with nice, think impasto throughout. there is an old, crudely repaired hole in the background at upper right corner and another one in upper left corner. other scattered, discolored old retouches can be seen here and there in background. some scuffing at edges and some reworking at lower left corner and along upper edge. it is difficult to see much under UV due to the old varnish, but most of these old retouches are visible to naked eye. this painting has not been treated in a long time and would benefit from sensitive restoration and a re-addressing of the old, repairs which could be done more skillfully.
In a black and gilt carved wood frame with some losses.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The present canvas appears to be a pendant to the canvas representing the Roman philosopher Seneca, which was sold at Ader Picard Tajan, 29 June 1989, lot 91, as "Roman School, circa 1630."
Cassiodorus (Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus, 490- circa 585) was a Roman philosopher, statesman and monk who wrote a number of historical and theological works. His significance as a preserver of classical culture at a time of political chaos is considerable. The quote on the paper underneath the skull at the upper right is from one of his most important works, the Institutiones, and is roughly translated as, "true philosophy is the con🌸templation of death."