Carlo Dolci (Italian, 1616–1686), , Portrait of San Carlo Borromeo, Bust-Length

About Auction

Live

European Art & Old Masters

By Freeman's

Feb 23, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-02-23 12:00:00 2021-02-23 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : European Art & Old Masters https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/freemans/european-art-old-masters-6395
A collection of important European artworks including an important rediscovered painting by Carl Moll, and three newly authenticated works by 17th century French and Italian Masters, Valentin de Boulogne, Carlo Dolci and Lionello Spada. Curated by David Weiss, Head of Sale. Freeman's info@freemansauction.com

View Full Catalog (68)

• Lot Description
  Carlo Dolci (Italian, 1616–1686)

  Portrait of San Carlo Borromeo, Bust-Length

  Oil on panel, arch top

  20 3/8 x 12 7/8 in. (51.8 x 32.7cm)

  Unframed.

  ---

  PROVENANCE:

  Private Collection, New York, New York.

  ---

  NOTE:

  The present work will be accompanied by a copy of a letter signed by Prof. Riccardo Spinelli dated February 28, 2019, in which he confirms the authenticity of this newly rediscovered work by the artist. The portrait depicts San Carlo Borromeo (1538-1584), the cardinal and Archbishop of Milan from 1564 to 1584. A central figure of 16th century Tuscany and Lombardy, he was one of the major protagonists of the Catholic Counter-Reformation against the Protestant Reformation, becoming a Saint in 1610. In the present work, Borromeo is depicted in bust length, rotated towards the left and captured in a very dramatic, holy light which is reflected by the precious ivory crucifix the Saint is prominently holding in his hand. Carlo Dolci is known to have depicted Carlo Borromeo two other times: first in an oil on canvas from 1659, now in the Musée Magnin in Dijon, France; and in an oil on panel commissioned by the cardinal Carlo Medici now in The Palazzo Pitti, Florence, circa 1656-1661. In the present work, the artist stays clear of a somber, pathetic representation of the Saint, and instead insists on the physical traits of his physiognomy, including a lean face, a growing beard, small pursing lips as well as deep dark eyes that reveal the model's fierce temperament but also indicate a certain kindness and softness, which are both new in the model's iconography. According to Prof. Spinelli, the present work was likely executed early in the artist's career, around 1630. The overall attention to detail, namely expressed via the figure's skin, the powerful hand clutching onto the crucifix and the distinctive light, relates to the Portrait of Stefano della Bella in The Palazzo Pitti (1631) as well as to the Portrait of Ainolfo de' Bardi (1632) in the Uffizi Galleries, Florence. The characteristic robe worn by cardinals, which Dolci here captures in a soft, shimmering pink, echoes his Saint John in the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, while his halo, depicted in bold orange hues against a deep blue background, is reminiscent of the Virgin and Child in the Borghese Gallery, Rome.

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’s possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	29.00
    $600,000	23.00
    $3,000,000	15.00