Antonio Tempesta

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This fascinating painting is in very good state. It is painted on a single, un-reinforced piece of wood. The paint layer has been cleaned and varnished. There are a couple of small retouches around the head of the figure on horseback on the right side. It seems more than likely that the condition is excellent and almost completely undamaged throughout the rest of the painting.
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.

The basic composition, with a cavalryman bounding into the painting from the lower right and a walled town or fortress under siege in the distance, was one oft repeated by Tempesta, especially in his prints (see, for example, S Buffa, ed., The Illustrated Bartsch, New York 1983, vol. 17, part 3, pp. 140-1, nos. 849 & 850, both reproduced).