- 529
Bolognese School, Early 17th Century
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
- Psyche entering the underworld
- oil on canvas, unframed
- 35 1/4 by 33 in.; 89.5 x 83.8 cm.
Condition
The canvas is lined. The brown colors have muted, and are hard to read in areas on the background. The fascinating image appears beneath an old varnish. There are some minor losses and abrasions along the edges, possibly due to old framing and old relining. Underneath the inspection of UV light, scattered, yet very small, spots of retouching are visible, including on the bottom center, by the water and ground, throughout Charon's body, on the pink dress the lady wears at bottom left, at the top left corner and bottom right corner. Further reading is impeded due to a milky varnish, below which there may be additional old retouching. There appears to be possible old lines of repairs in the upper left quadrant, vertically on the boat beneath Charon, and there is also a small raised area in the upper left corner. The painting is offered 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.
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 subject of this painting is from the story "Cupid and Psyche" in Metamorphoses, written by Lucius Apuleius Madaurensis in the 2nd Century AD. The artist shows in this painting the moment Psyche enters the underworld to undertake the tasks assigned by Venus, who was jealous of her beauty. Psyche carries a cake of honeyed barley in her hands to distract Cerberus.