The Lanterna del Molo, Naples with Vesuvius beyond; and Naples, with the Castel dell'Ovo
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GBP 50,000 - GBP 80,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
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CARLO BONAVIA (ACTIVE NAPLES 1751-1788)
The Lanterna del Molo, Naples with Vesuvius beyond; and Naples, with the Castel dell'Ovo
Though the details of his life remain scarce, a steadily growing body of work has been attributed to Carlo Bonavia. He has been recognised as one of the more talented and distinguished pupils of Claude-Joseph Vernet, producing capricci and coastal landscapes – of shipwrecks, calms, and harbour scenes – very much in the style of his master. His identified views, such as the present pair of canvases, are far fewer in number. The first centres on the lighthouse, the Lanterna del Molo, with Vesuvius seen beyond, whilst the second shows the Castel dell'Ovo bathed in light. The castle sits on the small island of Megaride. According to legend, the poet Virgil left an egg in an iron cage, hanging on a truss in the depths of the crypts underlying the castle. As long as the enchanted egg hung safely, the castle and the entire city of Naples would also be secure. The castle, which still looms over the harbour, built atop the ruins of a Roman villa, was constructed by the Normans in the twelfth century.
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The Lanterna del Molo, Naples with Vesuvius beyond; and Naples, with the Castel dell'OvoCARLO BONAVIA (ACTIVE NAPLES 1751-1788)Estimate: GBP 50,000 - 80,000
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Both paintings are in an excellent state of preservation. Close examination reveals the paint layer to be in a remarkable condition. The drawing, modelling, wealth of tonal balance and fluidity of the brushwork remain very well preserved.
The Lanterna del Molo, Naples The canvas has been subject to relining; it is held under tension and remains stable. Examination in natural light shows an old, yellowed varnish that carries some dirt. Examination under UV light reveals some very minor scattered retouching to the slight craquelure.
Naples, with the Castel dell'Ovo The canvas has been subject to relining; it is held under tension and remains stable. Examination in natural light shows some minor scattered retouching to the pattern of craquelure. There is an old, yellowed varnish that carries some dirt, especially in the botton left-hand corner, where there are some very minor spots of mould on top of the varnish. This would benefit from a light clean. Examination under UV light confirms the aforementioned retouching to the craquelure.
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Lot 206Sale 20555
The Lanterna del Molo, Naples with Vesuvius beyond; and Naples, with the Castel dell'OvoCARLO BONAVIA (ACTIVE NAPLES 1751-1788)Estimate: GBP 50,000 - 80,000
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