Studio of Luca Giordano, called Fa Presto Naples 1634 - 1705

Canvas relined. Under a dirty varnish. As is visible in the catalogue illustration, along the bottom edge there is a line of smudging and some minor losses due to contact from frame. The smudging appears as though it can be easily brushed off, but the losses, which are, for the most part, hidden by the frame, may need to be retouched. In the lower portion of the composition, mainly in the Madonna's blue cloak, background figures to her right, and some of the foreground, the paint surface is beginning to lift a bit, and there are two tiny losses in the Madonna's blue cloak and shirt of the background figure as a result. There are a few other minute losses dotted in the background, as well as some very small discolored retouchings scattered in background, and in figures. Ultraviolet reveals aforementioned retouches in background and in figures, as well as reinforcement of shadows under Christ's arm, and elsewhere on his figure. It appears as though there is some repainting to the hair of figure at top right bending over the cross and to the hair of the putto lying on a cloud on his stomach at upper left. There may be some additional retouchings and reworkings, but the varnish makes the picture somewhat difficult to read under ultraviolet. Overall, the picture presents a dramatic image with nice retention of coloration and details. In a carved gilt wood frame with a loss in upper left corner and some additional losses and chips to gilding.
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 painting is a reduced version of the altarpiece by Giordano, painted circa 1665, formerly in Santa Maria del Pianto, Venice and now in the Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice.  A bozzetto for the altarpiece is in the Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA.