Cremonese School, circa 1570

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The original canvas is lined. The paint layer is raised and unstable with visible paint losses, particularly to the right hand edge and the upper right corner, some of which are restored. Further minor restored losses and tears can also be detected. The coarse textured canvas has been abraded in some areas revealing the bare canvas weave, e.g. the shadow through the hat and hair of the right hand figure; there is some reduction of the thinness here. Under ultraviolet light the restored and augmented areas are visible. Additional pin prick losses of paint can be seen across the paint surface. Overall, the painting is in a good preserved condition, the removal of the discoloured and degraded varnish would improve the tonality."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."