Inventario Palumbo, 9 settembre 1782
De Mura Bequest: Palumbo Inventory
9th September 1782
Archivio Storico del Pio Monte della Misericordia, Bb, LXII, vol. 114, fasc. 21, cc. 1r-16v
Note: The manuscript features some corrections and additions, not indicated here. These are likely contemporary additions to the drafting of the inventory, but often in a handwriting different from that of the principal compiler. The crossing out of some paintings, however, must be later, most probably connected to the collecting history of each piece (for example, in case of its sale) or to the inventory’s function of accounting for the patrimony.
The two figures concluding each entry refer to the “valuation price”, the first, and the “release price”, the second; even when not explicitly stated, all valuations are understood to be in ducats.
[1r] Note of all the paintings existing in the house of the celebrated and magnificent Neapolitan painter Don Francesco de Muro and in the Monte della Misericordia.
Transferred to the Monte
1- A Landscape, 3 palms by 2, only sketched, with frame; valued and given for 4.
1- Another Landscape of similar size, with frame, being finished is valued and given for 12.
[In the painter’s house] First Antechamber
1- Sketch (macchia) of the Assumption, 4 palms by 10, painted at the Annunciatella; valued at 500, can be released for 400.
2- For the same, two overdoors, 3 palms by 7, both with Aurora, Tithonus, cherubs, putti and other things: sketches for the Palace; valued on merit at 250, can be released for 200. [1v]
1- A painting 6 palms by 8 with frame: represents Diana and Endymion; valued at 200, can be released for 150.
1- Sketch of the Annunciation, 3 palms by 7; valued justly for its merit at 100, can be released for 80.
1- Another painting 4 palms by 8: represents the Virgin, some Jesuit saints with scholars; valued on merit at 200, can be released for 150.
1- Another painting 5 palms by 7, with frame, represents Coriolanus besieging Rome; valued at 300, can be released for 250.
1- Sketch 5 palms by 6: represents the Glory of the Princes painted at the Palace; valued at 200, can be released for 150.
1- Another sketch of the same subject, 3 palms by 4; [2r] valued on merit at 100, can be released for 70.
1- Sketch of the Temple of Solomon, 4 palms by 6, painted at Santa Chiara; valued on merit at 200, can be released for 150.
1- Sketch of the Multiplication of the Loaves, 4 palms by 5, made for Foggia; valued at 150, can be released for 100.
1- Sketch of the Archangel Saint Raphael curing Tobit’s blindness; valued according to its merit at 120, can be released for 100.
Second Antechamber
2- Two paintings 5 palms by 6, both with frames: one of them represents Tithonus with Aurora; the other the Fable of Diana with Endymion; valued on [2v] merit at 500 ducats, can be released for 400.
1- The Portrait of the blessed Francesco de Geronimo, 3 palms by 2; valued at 40, can be released for 30.
1- Sleeping Child with the Madonna and Saint Joseph, with frame, 3 palms; valued according to merit at 60, can be released for 50.
1- Abraham’s servant with Rebecca, with frame, 3 palms by 4; valued at 100, can be released for 80.
2- Two sketches for San Severino 4 palms by 3, both with frame: represent Miracles of Saint Benedict. Valued justly on merit each at 160, being two makes 320 ducats, can be released for 120 ducats each, being two are 240 ducats. [3r]
1- The Transit of Saint Joseph, 3 palms by 4, with frame, valued at 150, can be released for 100.
1- A Guardian Angel not retouched, 3 palms by 2, with frame; can be released for 30, valued at 40.
1- Saint Lucy, of similar size; valued at 60, can be released for 50.
1- The Magdalene in the house of the Pharisee, 4 palms by 5, with frame, made for San Severino; valued at the price of 200, can be released for 150.
1- A Madonna 3 palms by 2 with frame; valued at 60, can be released for 50.
1- Saint Francis of Paola, 3 palms by 2.; valued at 60, can be released for 50. [3v]
2- Two other sketches for San Severino, both 4 palms by 6: represent some Histories of Saint Benedict, painted, one of them, at the head of the central painting, the other at the feet. For being larger and more laboured than the others, valued at 400, both can be released for 350.
2- Two paintings 4 palms by 6 with frame, one of which represents the Story of Virginia; the other, of similar size, the Roman Lucretia; valued at 500 ducats, both can be released for 350.
2- Two sketches of one palm by 1½ both with frames: represent Angels in chiaroscuro painted at San Severino; valued at 30 ducats, can be released for 20 ducats.
1- Another Assumption, 4 palms by 6, with frame; valued at 80 ducats, can be released for 60. [4r]
1- Jesus, Joseph and Mary, 3 palms by 2½, with frame, valued at 80 ducats, can be released for 60 ducats.
Gallery, all with frames
1- The Holy Sacrament with Saint Clare and other saints, 4 palms by 7: sketch for Santa Chiara; valued at 300 ducats, can be released for 200.
1- The Lord’s Supper, of equal size; valued at 300 ducats, can be released for 250.
2- Two small ovals of Bambocciate (low-life scenes); valued at 150 ducats, both can be released [for] 100 ducats.
1- A painting 5 palms by 8 high: represents Saint Benedict giving the rules, sketch for San Severino; valued at 800, can be released for 500.
[4v] 1- A Madonna, Child and Saint Joseph of one palm by 1½; valued at 40 ducats, can be released for 30.
2- A Dead Christ of half a palm across; another Christ with the cross on his shoulder of similar size, valued at 15 ducats each; being two 30, can be released for 20 ducats.
1- Painting 6 palms by 10: represents Solomon with the Queen of Sheba; valued, justly for its merit, at 2500 ducats, can be released for 2000 ducats.
1- Raising of the Cross, 4 palms by 3; valued at 250 ducats, can be released for 200.
2- Two paintings 3 palms by 2½: one has Christ in the Garden; the other the Crowning with Thorns. Both valued at 350 ducats, can be released for 250.
[5r] 2- Two oval Madonnas with Child in arms, both one and a half palms; one valued at 60 ducats; being 2, 120, can be released for 50 ducats each, being two makes 100.
1- Madonna with Child in arms and little Saint John, 3 palms by 2., valued at 150 ducats, can be released for 120.
1- Another Madonna also with the Child, Saint Joseph and little Saint John; valued at 100, can be released, being of equal size, for 80 ducats.
1- The Saviour, 3 palms by 2.; valued at 70, can be released for 60 ducats.
1- Saint Francis of Assisi, of equal size; valued at 70 ducats, can be released for 60 ducats. [5v]
2- Saint John the Baptist and Christ at the Column high, both 5 palms by 7; valued at 600 ducats, can be released for 500 ducats; wanting only Saint John can be given for 300 ducats.
2- Two Bambocciate across, 4 palms by 2; valued at 350 ducats, can be released for 250 ducats.
8- Eight small paintings of one palm by 6/12: a Putto for chiaroscuro; valued at 10 ducats each, being 8 are 80 ducats, can be released for 6 ducats each, for being eight are 48 ducats.
4- Four rounds of half a palm each; on one is painted a Landscape valued at 15 carlini; on another is a Bamboccio valued at 6 ducats; on the other two nothing; for being bare canvases valued at 8.50, the frames for 1 ducato; in all are 8.50 ducats. [6r]
1- A Madonna on copper, oval, of one palm and more; valued at 200 ducats, can be released for 150 ducats.
1- Another Madonna, also on copper and oval, smaller; valued at 100 ducats, can be released for 60 ducats.
3- Three paintings of Architecture of about one palm; valued at 60 ducats, can be released for 36 ducats.
2- Two paintings 3 palms by 2., one of which represents the Nativity of our Lord; the other the Adoration of the Magi. Valued at 400; selling together can be released for 300, wanting only the Nativity, 180 ducats.
1- Painting of the Visitation made for Capua, high, 4 palms by 7; valued at 250 ducats, can be released for 180 ducats.
1- Another painting of the Expectation of the Birth of Ma[6v]ria [ms.: Ma[6v]Mary] painted at Bethlehem, of similar size; valued at 600 ducats can be released for 400 ducats.
1- A Child with little Saint John of about one palm; valued at 60 ducats, can be given for 50 ducats.
1- A Pietà of size as above; valued at 60 ducats, can be given for 50 ducats.
2- Two paintings 5 palms by 7, one of which represents a Story from Tasso, that is Erminia with the shepherd who welcomes her; the other, of said size, expresses Argus with Juno and Iris with some animals – a fable; both valued at 800 ducats, can be given for 700 ducats; wanting only Erminia 400 ducats.
2- Two paintings 4 palms by 6: one of Judith, the other of Joshua stopping the sun; both valued at 2000 ducats, [7r] can be released for 1500 ducats; wanting only Joshua, for 1000 ducats.
1- A Madonna in a round of about 3 palms; valued at 120, can be released for 100.
1- Rest in Egypt of 1 palm by 1½; valued at 150, can be given for 100.
2- Two rounds of half a palm each: represent two Seafarers, that is husband and wife, with seafood; both valued at 30, can be given for 20.
1- Saint Sebastian of one palm by 1¼; valued at 50 ducats, can be released for 30.
1- Portrait of signor don Francesco de Muro; valued, for the value of the brush and for being from life, ducats, including also that of the wife, 1000 / [can be released for] 1000. [7v]
1- A painting across 4 palms by 5 as above: expresses a Greek Story, that is Ulysses leaving Calypso; valued at 350, can be given for 250.
1- Saint Peter 3 palms by 4, without frame; valued at 60, can be given for 50.
Room of the late signor don Francesco
1- An oval Madonna of 1½ palms; valued at 70, can be given for 60.
1- Another Child with little Saint John adoring; valued at 60, can be released for 50.
1- Saint Januarius 3 palms by 2., with frame; valued at 60, can be released for 50. [8r]
1- Saint Anthony Abbot, of similar size, with frame; valued at 70, can be released for 60.
1- Another Miracle of Saint Benedict, 3 palms by 4, with frame: sketch for San Severino. Valued at 160, can be released for 120.
1- Our Lady of Sorrows 3 palms by 2., with frame; valued at 80, can be given for 60.
1- Sketch of the Madonna delle Grazie with Saint Rose and Saint John, with frame, 2 by 2½ palms; valued at 80, can be given for 60.
1- Death of Saint Alexis, 2½ palms by 2, with frame; valued at 120, can be released for 100.
1- Saint Roch, with frame, 2 palms by 2.; valued at 80, [8v] can be released for 60.
1- A frame with drawing: [valued at] 2 / [can be released for] 2.
1- Another sketch of the Visitation of the Virgin, 4 palms by 5, with frame; valued at 100, can be given for 80.
1- Another Assumption of the Virgin with angels, 4 palms by 3, with frame; valued at 100 ducats, can be given for 70.
1- Sketch of the Arrival of the Magi, with frame, 4 palms by 8, executed at the Annunciata di Pizzo Falcone; valued at 300, can be given for 200.
1- A Saintly Pope from below upwards with frame, 2½ palms by 3; valued at 80, can be given for 60. [9r]
1- Another sketch of the Visitation of the Virgin, 4 palms by 3½, executed in Turin; valued at 250, can be given for 200.
1- Saint Raphael with Tobit, 3 palms by 2., with frame; valued at 100, can be given for 80.
2- Two Landscapes of one palm each with frame; being only sketched both valued at 4 / [can be released for] 4.
2- Two other sketches for San Severino: represent other Miracles of Saint Benedict, 3½ palms by 5, with frame; both valued at 320, can be released for 240.
Last room [9v]
2- Two sketches with frame, one 4 palms by 5, the other 5 palms by 7½: represent Miracles of Saint Nicholas executed at San Nicola la Carità; both valued at 400, can be released for 300.
1- The Immaculate Conception, 3 palms by 2½, without frame; valued at 100, can be released for 80.
1- A Bambocciata 4 palms by 3, without frame; valued, being sketched, at 60, can be released for 50.
1- A round, with frame, with the bare old canvas; only the frame valued at five carlini: [valued at] 0.50 / [can be released for] 0.50.
1- Martyrdom of Saint Placidus, 2 palms by 2½, with frame; valued at 80, can be released for 60. [10r]
1- Saint Vincent de Paul made for his church, 3 palms by 2, with frame; valued at 80 ducats, can be released for 60.
1- Saint Cajetan, 3 palms by 2.; valued at 60, can be released for 50.
1- Hagar with Ishmael, 3 palms by 4, with frame; valued at 70, can be released for 60.
1- Jacob’s Ladder, 3 palms by 2½, with frame; valued at 60, can be released for 50.
1- Saint Andrew the Apostle 4 palms by 5, with frame; valued at 80, can be released for 70.
3- Three sketches for the Seggio of San Giuseppe: one 5 palms by 7; the other two of pal[10v]ms 4 by 7 [ms.: pal[10v]pal.] approximately, transferred to the Monte. They express the Furnace of Saint Januarius; all three valued at 500, can be released for 400.
1- Jacob’s Struggle 2 palms by 2., with frame; valued at 50, can be released for 40.
1- Another sketch of the Madonna delle Grazie with Saint Cajetan and Saint Philip Neri, 2 palms by 2.; valued at 60, can be released for 50.
1- A painting of the Virgin, of one palm by 1½; valued at 50, can be given for 40.
1- Another Landscape, of one and a half palms by 3½, with frame; valued at 30, can be given for 20. [11r]
1- Saint Benedict giving the rules, with frame, 2 palms by 2.; valued at 70 can be given for 60.
1- Another sketch for San Severino of equal size as above: expresses another Miracle of Saint Benedict, with frame; valued at 40 ducats, can be given for 30.
1- Saint Anthony with Child in arms, 2 palms by 2½, with frame; valued at 50, can be given for 40.
1- Saint Mary of Egypt, 3 palms by 2½, with frame; valued at 70, can be released for 60.
2- Two other Bambocciate 4 palms by 3, both valued at 400, can be given for 300.
1- Saint Vincent Ferrer 3 palms by 2½; [11v] valued at 60, can be given for 50.
1- Another Saviour, 3 palms by 2., with frame; valued at 70, can be given for 60.
1- Another Madonna with little Saint John, 3 palms by 2½, with sleeping Child and frame; valued at 100, can be released for 80.
2- Two small paintings of ruined Architecture done in gouache, half a palm each, both with frame; valued at 10 ducats each, being two 20, both can be given for 10.
1- Transit of Saint Joseph 4 palms by 2; valued at 100, can be given for 80.
1- Madonna of the Rosary with Saint Dominic, 3 [12r] palms by 2, with frame; valued at 60, can be given for 50.
1- Saint Placidus preaching, 2 palms by 2., with frame; valued at 60, can be given for 50.
2- Alexander the Great and Charlemagne, 6 palms by 8, both with frame; valued at 3500, can be given for 3000.
1- A Madonna with sleeping Child in arms, 3 palms by 2½, only sketched; valued and given for 30.
1- Another Madonna with hands joined, oval, also sketched, 2 palms, promised to the clockmaker of the late don Francesco; 30
1- A Saviour 2 palms by 2½, also sketched, promised to the tailor of the said signor don Francesco; 30. [12v]
Paintings existing in the Monte
2- Two paintings: one, 7 palms by 10, represents the Magdalene; the other, of similar size, the Rest in Egypt, both with frame. Valued at 700, can be given for 600.
1- Hymenaeus, god of marriage, with Chastity, cherubs, 9 palms by 12, without frame; valued at 700, can be given for 600.
1- Portrait of the late wife of don Francesco 3 palms by 4, with frame: to be included in the price of the original Portrait of the late signor don Francesco ut supra.
1- Our Lady of Sorrows at the foot of the Lord’s cross, 3 palms by 2½; valued at 50, can be released for 40. [13r]
2- Two ovals high of Putti playing amongst themselves, 5 palms, made for the Prince of Riccia; valued at 240, can be given for 200.
3- Another three ovals across also of Putti as above; being more laboured considered at 450, can be given for 390.
1- Sketch of the cupola of San Giuseppe de’ Ruffi, with frame, 6 palms by 9; valued justly for its merit at 400, can be released for 300.
1- Another sketch, 5 palms by 6, remainder of said cupola; valued at 100, can be released for 100; the same 2 sketches, containing the entire cupola, must be sold together.
1- Another Miracle of Saint Benedict, 5 palms by 2, [13v] at San Severino; valued at 160, can be given for 120.
2- Two paintings 2 palms by 1: one is Saint Stephen; the other a Bishop, both with frame. Valued at 60, can be given for 50.
2- Two sketches for the Annunciata di Pizzo Falcone 2 palms by 2½: one expresses Faith; the other Charity, both with frame. Valued at 60, can be given for 50.
2 – Two chiaroscuro paintings of one palm by 1½: represent an Angel with putti on each side, both with frame; valued at 30, can be released for 24.
4 – Four chiaroscuros of 2½ palms each approximately: one represents Truth; another Abundance; the 3rd Vigilance [14r]; the last Divine Wisdom; valued each at 20 ducats, being four makes 80 ducats, can be given for 60.
1 – Saint Augustine 3 palms by 2; valued at 40, can be released for 30.
1 – Saint Michael the Archangel of equal size; valued at 60, can be released for 50.
1 – Jesus poor and despised, 3 palms by 2½; valued at 50, remains for 40.
1 – A painting 4 palms by 7 with frame, expresses the Arrival of the Magi: sketch for Donnaromita; valued at 70, can be released for 60.
2 – Two other sketches 4½ palms by 3: one of them represents Saint Joseph who [14v] works; the other the Rest in Egypt. Both, with frames, made for the Nunciatella; valued at 80, can be released for 70.
1 – Sketch of the ceiling of Santa Chiara driving out the Saracens, 7 palms by 10, with frame; valued at 600, can be given for 500.
1 – Saint Paul the First Hermit, 8 palms, with frame; valued at 100, can be given for 70.
1 – Another Portrait of the late signor don Francesco, 4 palms by 5, with frame; being a copy of the original also made by him valued at 200, remains for 200.
1 – A small Portrait of one palm by 1½ full-length; valued at 10, released for 6.
1 – A painting 6 palms by 6: represents [15r] the Liberal Arts, without frame; valued at 150, can be released for 100.
1 – Portrait of the Servant of God Sister Maria Giovannella, a Franciscan; valued at 20 ducats, and released for 10.
1 – Another fable sketch 4 palms by 7: shows the Chariot of the Sun, Aurora illuminating the Liberal Arts, the river; valued at 200, can be given for 180.
1 – Another Portrait of the Princess of Colombrano, without frame, 4 palms, oval, not completed, valued at 30 ducats, remains for 30.
1 – Another small Portrait with just a woman’s head painted, 1½ palms by 1; valued at 1.50, remains for 1.50.
1 – Sketch 2 palms by 3½: represents [15v] Cupid, Psyche, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus, made for signor Timperio; valued at 60 ducats, can be released for 50.
1 – Another painting 5 palms by 7 with frame, expresses a Greek Story: Phocion. Valued at 200, can be given for 180.
1 – Saint Francis Borgia, 2½ palms by 2; valued at 40, can be given [for] 30.
1 – Another Madonna with Child and Saint Joseph, 3 palms by 2½; valued at 60, can be given for 50.
1 – A chiaroscuro of 1½ palms by one: expresses a Fame; valued at 10, released for 6.
[Signed] Francesco Palumbo
[16r] The aforesaid valuation prices amount to the sum of thirty thousand nine hundred ducats and fifty grana – 30932.50 [sic]; the release prices amount to the sum of twenty-four thousand seven hundred and twenty-eight ducats and fifty grana – 24728.50.
In execution of the most venerable commands of their excellencies, I have the honour to present to you for the second time the note imposed on me of all the paintings of my master signor don Francesco de Muro. One, with the decisive and ultimate prices for each of them – in placing said prices I had before my eyes those same that he himself used to demand in forming them and those same that he communicated to me, on various occasions, in the sale of the aforesaid paintings –; so in said note there will be two prices: one of valuation marked in red, the other of release marked in black. Let it not cause their excellencies wonder the valuation price, given it is much inferior to the unparalleled brush of his merit. I have then given a proper and competent price for the release price, and this to encourage everyone to buy the same. Which is what I deemed [16v] just according to my slight knowledge and ability. The whole I humbly submit to their excellencies as a sign of my feeble servitude, and with the greatest deference I call myself of their excellencies most devoted and most obliged servant your.
Naples, 9 September 1782. Francesco Palumbo».
[CONTINUES]
Bibliography: Ceci 1933a, p. 110 (dated 9 September 1788); Causa 1970, pp. 55-56 (commented on, without indication of the shelfmark, and dated 9 September 1787); Rizzo 1986, pp. 115, 116, 126 note 8 (cited, and dated 9 September 1782); Gazzara 2008a, pp. 161, 177 note 17.
*References to the bibliography can be clarified by consulting P. D’Alconzo, L.P. Rocco di Torrepadula (eds.), Pio Monte della Misericordia. Il patrimonio storico e artistico, Napoli, Arte’m, 2020.
Transcription of the document by Mariano Saggiomo, taken from: P. D’Alconzo, L.P. Rocco di Torrepadula (eds.), Pio Monte della Misericordia. Il patrimonio storico e artistico, Napoli, Arte’m, 2020, vol. II, Appendice documentaria II, pp. 745-748 (available online at the page https://www.francescodemura.unina.it/en/documents/inventario-palumbo-9-settembre-1782/).
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