Michelangelo Meucci (Italian, 1840-1909), "The Rooftop Roost," oil on canvas painting depicting a large group of pigeons clustered on a roof in and around a dormer window. Paint has been thickly applied at the dormer area to simulate the stucco surface of the building. Signed lower left "M. Meucci – Firenze." Possibly original carved parcel gilt wood frame with high relief shell ornamentation. Sight – 59" H x 40" W. Frame – 64" H x 45" W.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Richard J. Eskind, Nashville. Skinner Auction, Sept. 22, 2000, lot #227.

CONDITION: Lined. Cracking to paint. UV light inspection indicates a possible large restored tear to clouds and that a stovepipe in the center of the roof (visible in the photo of this painting from the 2000 Skinner auction catalog) has been overpainted; it is possible that stovepipe was painted into the image at one point to cover the repaired tear and then removed in a subsequent restoration. Some additional overpainting in the upper left sky area. 2" area of abrasion, possible overpainting, to chimney. Some other minor infill or overpainting to bird tail feathers lower right, and to roof tile lower left. Small area of cleavage with inpainted flake to center left edge (background; tree foliage area). Frame has some wear and edge losses, particularly at upper left corner.