FELICE FORTUNATO BIGGI, CALLED 'FELICE DEI FIORI' | A still life of flowers in an urn on a ledge, surrounded by other flowers, fruit and vegetables, as well as a chicken, duck, guinea pig and game

FELICE FORTUNATO BIGGI, CALLED 'FELICE DEI FIORI'
Active in Verona towards the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries
A still life of flowers in an urn on a ledge, surrounded by other flowers, fruit and vegetables, as well as a chicken, duck, guinea pig and game

signed and dated centre, on the urn: Felix. B / Fecit. / 166(6?)
oil on canvas
115 by 141cm., 45¼by 55 1/2in.

Condition Report:
The canvas is lined, the paint surface is relatively dirty and the varnish is slightly discoloured. A slight degree of wear is visible, particularly in some of the darker areas of the painting, and there are a handful of very small paint losses in the lower right corner, and a few other superficial, scattered surface scuffs. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals relatively few, small areas of retouching: scattered along all four margins; a more concentrated area at the base of the column, upper right; and small, cosmetic retouchings scattered in the main composition, including to a restored, vertical tear just above the rooster's head, approx. 8 cm. long. There is also retouching along a diagonal surface scratch along the centre of the left margin, approx. 15 cm. long. The painting is in overall good condition.

"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Provenance:
With Robert Dunthorne, London & Liverpool (according to an old label on the reverse).