Giuseppe Nicola Nasini

The colours are brighter than suggested in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has been relatively recently relined and is stable. The paint surface is in fairly good condition overall though there are some isolated areas of thinness and wear, mostly in the shadow areas, for example in the hole of the well itself and in the left hand background. There is some significant retouching due to frame abrasion along all extreme margins protruding approximately 1½ cm from the picture edge. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a restored damage in the very centre of the composition at the bottom of the tree trunk (circa 2 by 2cm.), some spot retouchings to both faces and throughout the blue drape of Christ and further, though less pronounced, spot retouchings throughout the background. There is also a 6cm. long restored horizontal tear to the left of Christ’s head. The painting requires no further attention and is ready to hang. Offered in an empire gilt 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 composition derives from Ciro Ferri's depiction of the same subject.¹ Ferri's prototypes provide the basis for several other works by Nasini, such as his Moses defends the daughters of Jethro and Rebecca and Eliezer, both in the Palazzo Corsini, Rome.

We are grateful to Prof. Giancarlo Sestieri for endorsing the attribution to Nasini on the basis of photographs.

1. Sold London, Sotheby's, 10 October 1986, lot 9.