£1,050
After Jusepe de Ribera (1591-1652) - 'The Philosopher', inscribed on a plaque attached to the frame and bearing an old Christie's stencil number to the reverse, possibly 1127t, oil on canvas, 24.5" x 20.25"; within a 19th century giltwood and gesso frame
** with a supporting letter from Christie's dated 27th Match 1973, confirming this painting was lot 224 in their auction March 18th, 1898, from the collection of R.B. Haynes, a Liverpool collector. It was unattributed at the time of sale and simply called "Head of a Philosopher". It was bought by Cohen for £2.10s
There is a supporting letter from Christie’s available in amongst the documents we have relating to some of the pictures, according to the letter, dated 27th March 1973 (presumably from the Old Master paintings department at the time), states that the picture was Lot 224 in their auction on March 18th 1898, it came from the collection of “R.B.Haynes, a Liverpool” collector.
It was unattributed at the time of the sale and called, “Head of a Philosopher” it was bought by “Cohen” for £2.10 shillings. The letter written by one of the vendors to Christie’s said that the painting was difficult to age so that was the question he asked of Christie’s, sadly not forthcoming.
We believe it to be 18th century, however it could be earlier but what makes it difficult to be precise is the “Fully Restored” condition the picture is in, it has been re-lined, cleaned and fully conserved, there has been a small hole or tear between the edge of the book he is holding and his robe, with a further small damage on the edge of the philosopher's collar to the right, the varnish that has been applied by the conservator was quite shiny to begin with however this is slowly becoming a little more dull, an important factor is the weave of the original canvas is quite broad, indicating that it may well be an early picture.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Free Registration
30% inc VAT*
Flat Fee Registration
26.40% inc VAT*
