Giovanni Francesco Guerrieri

Acquired by the current owner in 2004.

The painting has been recently relined. The paint surface is clean, secure and under a glossy varnish. There is an old repaired horizontal tear approx 10 cm long bottom left under Judith's left sleeve which is only just visible to the naked eye on close inspection. Examination under UV light reveals some scattered retouchings throughout, most notably in Judith's left elbow, along the restored tear and along the line of some horizontal paint cracks in the area of Judith's sword. Offered in a gilt wood frame in fair condition.
"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."

Giovanni Francesco Guerrieri painted the same subject on at least two other occasions but the closest work compositionally is his Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, Fossombrone, Quadreria Cesarini.  Both paintings depict a three quarter length figure facing slightly to the right, the latter with a severed head upheld above a plate by a male servant in profile (see A. Emiliani and M. Cellini, Giovanni Francesco Guerrieri da Fossombrone, 1997, pp. 139-142, no. 90).