Zug Castle, Switzerland;
Private collection, Basel.  

The canvas has an old lining. Overall, the image reads relatively strongly. It appears that the painting has received some attention in the past, and there seems to be one old repair near center of upper edge, and one in the cloak of Diogenes. Some of the details have lost definition, for example in the faces of some of the figures. Inspection under UV reveals a milky varnish that fluoresces unevenly throughout, particularly in the faces, and is difficult to read through in areas. Inspection also reveals a scattered spots of retouching here and there throughout. There may have been an earlier campaign of restoration beneath the milky varnish, and as such, we suggest potentially receiving an opinion from a professional restorer . The painting is offered in a simply carved giltwood 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.

This recently rediscovered painting by Claude Vignon is an autograph replica of a signed and dated canvas, formerly in the Château de Sanssouci in Potsdam and destroyed in 1945 during World War II.¹  At the center of the composition is Diogenes, the Greek Cynic philosopher (4th century B.C) who despised worldly possessions.  Surrounded by various figures, he is shown here with his traditional lantern in search of an honest man.  This theme, which symbolized one's pursuit for truth and virtue, was popular among artists of the seventeenth century.   We are grateful to Madame Paola Bassani Pacht for endorsing the attribution of the present lot on the basis of photographs.


1. Oil on canvas, 63 by 116 cm, signed and dated lower center: Vignon inv. f. 1637. See P.P. Bassani, Claude Vignon: 1593-1670, Paris 1992, pp. 334-335, cat. no. 253, reproduced.