Irises, tulips, roses and other flowers in a sculpted vase

Francesco Mantovano was an active still life specialist in mid-seventeenth century Venice (see J. Spike, 'Francesco Mantovano', in G. and U. Bocchi, Naturaliter, Casalmaggiore, 1998, pp. 392-409). Elements such as the vase with the grotesque mask or the three little white roses in the center of the composition are typical of Mantovano. The dimensions (27 x 20 inches) correspond to one of his preferred formats.

We are grateful to Dr. John Spike for suggesting the attribution to Mantovano on the basis of a color transparency (written communication, 1 September 2004). He describes the present lot and lots 241 and 242 as 'fine and characteristic paintings by Francesco Mantovano'.