Romanelli’s Justice for Mazarin: A Rediscovery

Published on 16 November 2022, by Carole Blumenfeld

Auction on 02 December 2022 - 14:00 (CET) - Salle 5 - Hôtel Drouot - 75009

As the renovation of the Bibliothèque nationale (BnF) in Paris meets with widespread acclaim, the reappearance of a key component in the decor of Cardinal Mazarin’s bedroom by Romanelli comes as a pleasant surprise.

Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (1610-1662), Allégorie de la Justice (Allegory of Justice),... Romanelli’s Justice for Mazarin: A Rediscovery

Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (1610-1662), Allégorie de la Justice (Allegory of Justice), octagonal canvas (formerly oval), 196.5 x 181 cm/77.36 x 71.25 in.
Estimate: €200,000/300,000

On November 16, 1832, a Justice Ministry official wrote to the director of the Royal Museums: "In accordance with the request made in a letter from the offices of the director of the Royal Museums, I have the honor of sending you the information that I have obtained on three paintings inventoried in 1825 that were not found in the chancellery during your agents’ last visit. These paintings, 1) [...] 2499 Suvée Liberty Given to the Arts [...] 2) 457 Romanelli Prudence [...] 3) 458... Id. Justice [...] were delivered to the estates at the time of their last regluing as unecessary objects in their apartment. This operation was carried out by my predecessor. Let me know if my letter is sufficient for you or if I should take…

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