Defendente Ferrari

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. The condition of this charming picture is a little uneven. The painted surface does not fit the frame perfectly and while it is clean, the surface and retouches could be improved. There are retouches visible under ultraviolet light at the top of the face and in the neck, in the background around the head, in the sleeves of the folded hands, in the calligraphy across the bottom and also in the center of the composition. The condition is uneven, but with some improvements it will respond well.
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 small depiction of King Solomon, identified by the inscription which is the opening line of the fourth chapter of the book of Wisdom in the Vulgate Bible, is a part of a predella by Defendente Ferrari.  It was originally situated beneath pilasters on the lower part of the altarpiece, surrounding the narrative scenes of the predella, which were set further back.  Another such arrangement, with extremely similar depictions of old testament figures also holding elaborately inscribed bandaroles decorating the bases of pillars is in the church of San Giovanni, Avigliana (see L. Mallé, Spanzotti, Defendente, Giovenone, nuovi studi, Turin 1971, figs. 125-127).