GIOVANNI ANDREA (IL MASTELLETTA) DONDUCCI (ITALIAN 1575-1655), THE TRIUMPH OF DAVID

GIOVANNI ANDREA (IL MASTELLETTA) DONDUCCI (ITALIAN 1575-1655) THE TRIUMPH OF DAVID Oil on canvas 64 x 51cm (25 x 20 in.)Provenance: The collection of Paul Ganz, New York Sale, Sotheby's, New York, Important Old Masters, Including European Works of Art, where purchased by Count Manfredi della Gherardesca, 28 January 2010, lot 183Born in Bologna and having begun his artistic training in the Caracci's Academy, Mastelletta developed a highly individualist style that radically differed from his teachers. Building on the stylistic traits of Parmigianino combined with the influence of the 'northern' artists in Rome such as Pieter Lastman, Hendrick Goudt, and Paul Brill, Mastelletta created visionary and dream-like landscapes populated by elongated and elegant figures. The art historian Maurizio Calvesi described him as a 'poet, fragile visionary, fanciful, timid and ardent', a brief description which perfectly renders his uniqueness. The subject and stylistic traits of this painting have much in common with the same themed painting held at the Palazzo Doria, in Rome. It is possible that this work constitutes a modello for the bigger painting, which eventually diverged from its original idea. Condition Report: The canvas has been lined and cleaned, although there is still some surface dirt. Light craquelure throughout. Stretcher marks visible. Rubbing and abrasions throughout. There is a diagonal line of paint shrinkage running just above the front female figure's head (approx. 10cm). Inspection under UV light reveals scattered retouching throughout, and an area of more concentrated retouching at the lower centre by the hilt of the sword, possibly the result of a previous repair.Condition Report Disclaimer