The work of François de Nomé and Didier Barra has long been confused, both having been associated in the past with the pseudonym Monsù Desiderio, a ‘highly praised painter of perspectives and city scenes’ (B. de Dominici, Vite, Naples, 1745, II, p. 314) which is now believed to belong to Barra. Having trained in Rome under 'Maestro Baldassare', likely Balthazar Lauwers, de Nomé moved to Naples in circa 1610. Barra is first documented in Naples in 1630, though he left his home town of Metz in circa 1608, so it is probable that he arrived earlier than this. It is believed that both artists were employed in the same Neapolitan studio; they share a distinctive approach to architectural fantasy and cityscapes with lively, loose brushwork that lends a sense of movement to their compositions. In the present painting of Death's triumphant entry into a city the exuberance and rich decoration of the scene typifies this type of fantastical baroque.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
The triumphant entry of Death into a city with classical ruinsATTRIBUTED TO FRANÇOIS DE NOMÉ (METZ C.1593-AFTER 1644 NAPLES) OR DIDIER BARRA, CALLED MONSÙ DESIDERIO (METZ C.1590-AFTER 1652 NAPLES)Estimate: GBP 20,000 - 30,000
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.
The canvas has been subject to relining, likey prior to the 20th century. The canvas is held under tension and remains stable. Examination in natural light shows a fine pattern of craquelure across the surface, especially to the upper left hand corner. There are some very minor losses to the paint surface as a result of frame abrasion to the left hand edge. Examination under UV light reveals scattered retouching to the white panel upper centre to the dark tones beneath the arch and in some of the architectural details. There is evidence of an old varnish partially cleaned and bottom left-hand corner. The paint layer remains stable. The fluidity of brushwork and complexity of composition remain fully appreciable.
Cost calculator
Lot 18Sale 18875
The triumphant entry of Death into a city with classical ruinsATTRIBUTED TO FRANÇOIS DE NOMÉ (METZ C.1593-AFTER 1644 NAPLES) OR DIDIER BARRA, CALLED MONSÙ DESIDERIO (METZ C.1590-AFTER 1652 NAPLES)Estimate: GBP 20,000 - 30,000
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid