Lot 38
- 38
Gérard de Lairesse
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description
- Gérard de Lairesse
- Allegory of Wisdom fostering the arts and sciences
- signed with monogram lower right on base of pedestal: GL (in ligature)
- oil on canvas
Provenance
With Huis Kontrast, Antwerp;
From whom purchased by the present owner in 1973.
From whom purchased by the present owner in 1973.
Literature
A. Roy, "Quelques nouvelles oeuvres attribuées à Gérard de Lairesse," in Les Cahiers d'Histoire de l'Art, 2004, no. 2, pp. 118, 129, cat. no. P. 63 bis, reproduced p. 128, fig. 18.
Condition
The old glue relining is firm and stable. under a very dirty and yellowed old varnish. for the most part, the paint surface has been very well retained and the detail is generally quite good throughout. there is some slight thinness in figure of woman at center holding the lute and in the background area around her figure. one tiny scratch can be seen at lower right corner. it is impossible to see anything under UV light due to the old dirty varnish. this painting has not been restored in a long time and would benefit from a light cleaning and sensitive restoration. offered in a carved and gilt wood frame.
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
Alain Roy (see Literature) dates this painting to circa 1670, during Lairesse’s early years in Amsterdam. This type of multi-figured allegorical subject proved to be particularly popular with the artist's Dutch patrons. The figure of Minerva, goddess of wisdom, is shown seated on a throne above the other figures. Female figures below appear to represent the arts (Painting and Music) and sciences (Astronomy and Mathematics). The two female figures conversing at far right may depict Rhetoric and Poetry, and the figure holding a basket overflowing with flowers and fruit probably personifies Abundance. Roy speculates that the subject represents an allegory of the prosperity of the arts and sciences under a wise and prudent ruler and could, therefore, also be an allusion to the benefits of good government.