School of Guido Reni

Estate of Louisa Claude, Baraboo, Wisconsin;
By whom gifted to the Oshkosh Public Museum in 1952 (inv. no. 6140-80).

There is an old glue relining. under a dirty, dull and uneven old varnish. areas of abrasion and scattered losses in hair, right side of face over eye area, and in background. the left side of face, neck, hands and drapery are all better preserved. scattered scuffs. under UV light: uneven varnish makes it difficult to read. there are scattered reworkings in background. the flesh tones, aside from aforementioned areas on right side of face, look okay.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This head of the Archangel Gabriel would have formed part of a pair depicting the Annunciation with the second canvas showing the Virgin, facing left.  A number of such copies and studio variants are listed by Stephen Pepper who also publishes an autograph head of the angel as in a private collection in Greenville, South Carolina.¹

1.  D.S. Pepper, Guido Reni, a complete catalogue of his works, New York 1984, p.294, cat. no. B3.