Details

Catalog summary

Francesco Albani The Four Elements a set of four, all oil on canvas, circular Condition All four circular canvases are lined, the varnish on all is even but discoloured. They are in fair condition. The canvases are framed as a set in elaborate square carved and gilt frames in fair condition, with only few cracks and losses.<br><br>Water: There two losses to this canvas, the first a cm long chip missing in the centre (there is also some flaking to the right of this loss), the second is a larger area of loss at the centre of the left margin, measuring 3 inches by 1 inch. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals some old restoration in the sky, and a small degree of scattered retouchings throughout the lower half.<br><br>Wind: The canvas is uneven and has slightly buckled, there is a surface scratch in the sea bottom left, and scattered old discoloured retouchings, the main concentration of which are in the sky on the left and in the mountain side on the right.<br><br>Fire: No major damages, hardly any retouchings. <br><br>Earth: No major damages visible, old restorations along the stretcher line in the bottom left are discoloured and visible to the naked eye, there are very few other scattered retouchings throughout that have discoloured and are visible to the naked eye. Inspection under ultra violet confirms these, but no other restoration is visible. "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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE." Catalogue Note The compositions are based on Francesco Albani's larger (180 cm. in diameter) prototypes, commissioned circa 1625 by Cardinal (later Principe) Maurizio of Savoy and today in the Galleria Sabauda in Turin (see C. Puglisis, Francesco Albani , New Haven 1999, pp. 144-146, cat. nos. 60-60 iv).