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Dr. Filippo Gheri places this exquisite pair of canvases within Ottavio Vannini’s late output, post-1632, when his work became defined by a more liberal use of pigment and an even greater fluency of handling. The figures of both saints display a strong resemblance to those in Vannini’s magnificent altarpiece of the mid-1630s in San Domenico, Pistoia, as well as in his Last Supper in Colle Valdelsa, completed in 1636. Furthermore, the physiognomy and countenance of Saint John is almost identical to the artist’s Saint Sebastian in the convent of San Marco, Florence, for whom the same model must surely have been employed. Both canvases were conceived in oval format. They would once have been part of a set of the four evangelists, of which Saint Matthew and Saint Mark have yet to be located. The attribution was recently endorsed by Dr. Francesca Baldassari, to whom we are grateful, on the basis of photographs. Dr Balassari stated that the paintings are 'very beautiful examples' of his work.
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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.
Saint Luke:
The canvas has an old glue relining. The original oval format of the painting appears to have been altered with the corners made up to form a rectangle. The canvas is secure and the paint surface is stable and clean beneath a clear varnish. There is some scuffing at the left edge, with associated losses, and the painting has a craquelure pattern consistent with its age. There is some abrasion in the lower section of the figure’s beard with some loss of definition. Overall, the painting reads well.
Inspection under UV reveals very fine retouching to a scratch and some minor losses in the figure’s hands, in the forehead of the cow, and strengthening to the upper right edge of the painted oval. Further minor retouched losses are visible in the background.
Saint John the Evangelist:
The canvas has an old glue relining. The original format of the painting appears to have been formal, the corners have since been made up to form a rectangle. The canvas is secure and the paint surface is stable and clean beneath a clear varnish. There is some scuffing at the right edge, and a broad craquelure pattern consistent with the painting’s age, though this is noticeable only in the background.
Inspection under UV reveals some retouching in the background and further minor retouched losses scattered throughout the flesh tones. Some of those retouches in the forearm have discolored overtime and are faintly visible to the naked eye, though these areas are not distracting.
According to taste, these paintings could be hung in their present state. Both are offered in decoratively carved gilt wood frames.
Cost calculator
Lot 36Sale 19030
Saint Luke; and Saint John the EvangelistOttavio Vannini (Florence 1585-c. 1643/44) Estimate: USD 30,000 - 50,000
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