Carl Ernst von Stetten Cleobis and Biton

West Coast Private Collection
Carl Ernst von Stetten
German
1857 - 1942
Cleobis and Biton

signed, inscribed, and dated Carl v. Stetten./ Paris. 1884. (lower right)
oil on canvas
canvas: 62 by 88 in.; 157.4 by 223.5 cm
framed: 80¼ by 106¼ in.; 203.8 by 269.8 cm

Condition Report:
The canvas is lined. The paint surface is stable and in good condition. Patterns of craquelure throughout. Frame abrasions to edges. Under UV light, areas of retouching to aforementioned abrasions along the upper and lower edges, to the lower left corner, in the lower right quadrant, and to and above the figures in the doorway.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note:
The scene is taken from Herodotus's story of the Argive brothers, Cleobis and Biton. Their mother, a priestess of Hera, found that her oxen were not brought in time for a festival, and thus her sons drew her car the forty-five stades to the temple. She prayed to the goddess to grant them the greatest boon possible for mortals, and her decision caused them to die while they slept in the temple. The brothers were honored with statues at Delphi.

Provenance:
with Dumachell Art Gallery, Gross Pointe, Michigan

Private collection, Los Angeles

Acquired from the above by the present owner