Lot 2088 Dα

Niccolò Codazzi specialized in depictions of architecture and ruins. The subject matter and style of his paintings show the growing popularity of Classical Rome with collectors in the 17th century. Niccolò trained in his father's workshop and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two artists' hands. The present painting depicts the Temple of Minerva Medica, an octagonal building dating from the 4th century B.C., which is a reoccurring motif in Codazzi´s repertoire. Developing exceptional mastery of perspective, shading and the skillful use of shadows, he was able to enhance the rhythm and space of his compositions. As is the case in this image, he often only painted the architecture, leaving the figures to be added by different artists. Close comparisons can be made with two other works of the same subject - one whereabouts unknown, the other at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, inv. E 260, M 6633 (see: D. R. Marshall, Viviano and Niccolo Codazzi and the Baroque architectural fantasy, Milano and Roma, Jandi Sapi, 1993, cat. NC 32 and 33, pp.372,375).

We would like to thank Professor Marshall for kindly endorsing the present attribution to Niccolò Codazzi, in collaboration with Jacob de Heusch, upon examination of a photograph.