Nicolo Bambini

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 25 April 2001, lot 142, where acquired by the present owner.

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is generally secure and retains much of its original impasto under a dirty varnish. There is a restored damage 2 by 2 cm between the angel's wings, another vertical damage of 3 cm running through the right hand putti's face upper left, a third damage of 4 by 2 cm in the white cloth to the left of Mary and a fourth diagonal restored damage of 13 cm long to the left of her left foot. Inspection under UV light reveals some minor other scattered damages and retouching work. Offered unframed.
"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."

When last on the market this work was attributed to Bambini by Professor Ugo Ruggeri, who compared it stylistically to the Comunione miraculosa di Santa Teresa and San Giuseppe che salva la Santa e le sue compagne da un precipizio in Santa Maria degli Scalzi, Venice.  Professor Ruggeri suggested a date post 1712, probably from the 1720s, for the present work.