Giovanni Franceso Grimaldi

The canvas has an old relining which is stable. The paint surface is in very good condition overall with only a few very minor interventions visible under ultra-violet light. The painting would benefit from a light surface clean. Sold with a carved and gilt wood frame in good condition, with some losses to the 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The attribution is due to Prof. Giancarlo Sestieri who knows the painting through photographs and has dated the work to the 1640s. Prof. Sestieri has pointed out the similarities between the composition of the present painting and a Landscape with fishermen by Grimaldi in the Musée Magnin in Dijon (see A. Brejon de Lavergnée, Dijon, musée Magnin: Catalogue des tableaux et dessins italiens (XVe-XIXe siècles), Paris 1980, p. 74, cat. no. 55, reproduced). We can also compare these paintings stylistically with a series of four paintings by Grimaldi in the Galleria Borghese in Rome (see P. della Pergola, Galleria Borghese: I Dipinti, vol. I, pp. 48-49, cat. nos. 75-78, reproduced).