Lot 146: HENDRICK VAN SOMER | Samson and Delilah

oil on canvas

119 by 139 cm.; 46 7/8  by 54 3/4  in.

oil on canvas

The canvas has a recent and firm relining. This has resulted in a flattened surface. The paint surface is clean and the colours remain strong. There is a very small area where the paint is starting to flake, measuring approximately 2 by 1 cm, at the bottom left. A retouching, approximately 4 by 4 cm, is visible to the left of Delilah's left shoulder. Repairs to tears are as follows: an L- shaped, 9 by 4 cm, in the face of the old woman; a horizontal tear, 46 cm, running from the right edge through the top of the old woman's head; a 17 cm tear to the right of the old woman's neck; a 22 cm tear to the left of Delilah's head. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a cloudy varnish and delicate retouching throughout the flesh tones and drapery of Samson, Delilah and the old woman. The work is offered in a gilt molded frame with a few knocks.
"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."

N. Spinosa, ‘Aggiunte a Hendrick van Somer: alias Enrico Fiammingo’, in Napoli, l’Europa: ricerche di storia dell’arte in onore di Ferdinando Bologna, ed. F. Abbate and F. Sricchia Santoro, Catanzaro 1995, p. 228, reproduced fig. 179 (as van Somer);
N. Spinosa, Pittura del Seicento a Napoli da Caravaggio a Massimo Stanzione, Naples 2010, p. 395, no. 412, reproduced;
V. Farina, Intorno a Ribera. Nuove riflessioni su Giovanni Ricca e Hendrick van Somer e alcune aggiunte ai giovani Ribera e Luca Giordano, in www.ilseicentodivivianafarina.it, 2012, pp. 48–49, reproduced fig. 53;
N. Spinosa, Grazia e tenerezza 'in posa'. Bernardo Cavallino e il suo tempo 1616–1656, Rome 2013, p. 246, reproduced p. 244, fig. 206, p. 485, no. D52, reproduced again (listed under Contemporaries of Bernardo Cavallino). 

Firrao, prinicipi di Sant’Agata dei Goti;
Art market, Naples, 1995;
Castello dei Landriani, Vidigulfo, Pavia;
From where acquired by the family of the present owner.