Michele Tosini, called Michele di Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio

Morrocchi-Di Giulio family, Florence.

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 panel is made from three sections of wood. Horizontal joins appear to run through the forehead of the Madonna and through the arm of Christ. Other cracking has developed throughout and the panel is quite visibly curved from top to bottom. The paint layer is most likely a little dirty and the restorations have blanched, particularly in the lighter colors of Christ's body. These retouches are fairly numerous, in the lighter colors particularly. The joins also need attention. The curve in the panel will probably remain, so accommodations should be made within the frame for this curve. Restorations are clearly visible under ultraviolet light and this picture will improve with a fresh approach to restoration.
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.

Tosini treated this subject several times throughout his career. In fact, he found a thriving market for these specialized paintings among his Florentine patrons.  This painting can be compared to another Holy Family in the collection of the Museo Bandini, Fiesole (see B. Berenson, Italian Pictures of the Renaissance, Florentine School, Vol. II, London 1963, reproduced plate 1300), and to one sold in these Rooms on January 30, 1998, lot 24.

This lot is accompanied by original photo-certificates from Giuseppe Fiocco (undated) and Evelyn Sandberg Vavalà (dated Firenze 1947), and a letter from Giovanni Poggi (dated December 2, 1947), all stating the present painting to be by Tosini.