Viviano Codazzi

The original is a little darker and there is more red in the brown tones than appears in the catalogue illustration. The canvas is unlined. The paint surface is secure and in good condition, although a little abraded in the darker browns and under a dirty discoloured varnish. There is a horizontal stretcher line running across the top of the canvas approx 7 cm down from the upper margin. There is an old reverse L shaped damage approx 15 cm long in the centre of the column. A smaller T shaped damage approx 8 cm long centre left and a third damage approx 5 cm square upper right in the cloud. Inspection under UV light reveals some minor scatterd retouching work, some retouching along the margins and in the aforementioned damages. Offered in a gilt and black painted 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."

We are grateful to Dr. David Marshall for endorsing the attribution to Codazzi following first-hand inspection of the painting. The figures are by another, as yet unidentified, hand.