Continental School, 18th Century Apollo with His Lyre

Description:

Continental School, 18th Century

Apollo with His Lyre
Unsigned, with a partial loan label from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, affixed to the stretcher.
Oil on canvas, 30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm),framed.
Condition: Lined, retouch, craquelure, surface grime.

N.B. The name on the loan label is "H.C. Merwin," probably referring to Henry Childs Merwin (1853-1929),Harvard Class of 1874.
Estimate $400-600

Older lining which seems to have been adhered with resin or glue. Prominent stable craquelure. Many surface imperfections including what may be an old puncture or loss to l.r. corner on one of the strings of the lyre. Also an S-curve of craquelure with retouch in the upper left quadrant that follows the head and neck of the figure and separates the area of craquelure on the figure from the smoother surface of the upper left corner where the craquelure is much finer. Retouch overall, including a spot over the puncture or loss in the lower right corner, plentiful broadly brushed retouch to the background, finer retouch overall to the figure, often to fill craquelure. Varnish inconsistencies that present a milky surface under UV light.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords