Lot 235: Alessio d'Elia , Documented in Naples 1754 - 1771 The Assumption of the Virgin oil on canvas

oil on canvas

measurements note 60.8 by 46 cm.; 23 3/8 by 18 1/8 in.

THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
We are grateful to Prof. Nicola Spinosa for proposing the attribution to Alessio d'Elia upon first hand inspection of the painting. Although not mentioned by the biographer Bernardo De' Dominici, D'Elia is known to have been a pupil of Francesco Solimena. Despite scarce biographical information on the artist, there are numerous documented commissions by D'Elia for the churches in and around Naples, especially during the third quarter of the 18th century. Given the modest dimensions and sketchy technique of this painting it is likely to be a bozzetto for an as yet unidentified altarpiece.