Pisan School, second half of the 14th Century

The catalogue illustration is representative. As visible in the catalogue, a horizontal crack in the paint surface and panel is visible. Two further restored cracks, each of aprox 30 cms, are present in the panel lower left and lower right. The gold ground in the background has faded and become abraded in several areas. Discoloured retouchings can be made out with the naked eye along the aforementioned cracks, scattered in the background and in the darker tones of the Madonna's cloak. The punchwork is for the most part well preserved. Inspection under UV light reveals that St Catherine's dress, face and wheel are well preserved with some retouchings in the dress. Repaint is present on St Anne's face and cloak. The blues and the outlines of the Madonna have been retouched, as well as the outline of the Child. In the figure of St Stephen the outlines and the darker tones of the clothing have been retouched while the dress is still in fair condition, Offered in an integral frame in good 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."

The design of the central section derives from Francesco Traini's (active in Pisa circa 1321-1369) panel in the Art Museum, Princeton, New Jersey, inv. no. 63.2 (see B. Berenson, Italian Pictures of the Renaissance, Central and North Italian Schools, London 1968, vol. I, p. 432, reproduced vol. II, plate 291). The work is likely to have been carried out towards the end of the fourteenth century by an artist working in the following of Francesco Traini, but probably one generation later.