Simon Vouet and Studio Paris 1590 - 1649

The canvas is relined. This picture has been recently, and quite thoroughly restored. Under UV, restorations are scattered throughout, with one major area of repaint located in the neck, face, and chest of the Madonna. Where original, the paint quality is quite high and the restorations which have been recently added, have been applied skillfully, especially when viewed by the naked eye. In a simple carved wooden frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This painting is a replica with variations in size, coloring and composition of a work by Vouet in the Musée des Beaux Arts, Caen.¹ An engraving of the Caen picture by Daret was made in 1642 allowing us to date the painting shortly before that date.  A studio version, which compositionally comes closer to the present painting as it also has a landscape in the background, is in the Philadelphia Art Museum. The coloring, however, of the Virgin's dress in the Philadelphia version is different from the present painting and is more faithful to the Caen primary version.  

We are grateful to Dominique Jacquot for confirming the attribution upon firsthand inspection and for proposing a probable dating of this painting to the 1640's.  It will be included, as by Vouet and Studio, in his forthcoming catalogue raisonné on the works of artist.

1.  See J. Thuillier, Vouet, Paris 1990, pp. 316 - 317, cat. no. 53, reproduced.