Benedetto Gennari

The original is a touch less yellow than it appears in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has an old relining and is slightly loose on the stretcher. The paint surface is generally secure with a few very tiny flaked loses just visible in the catalogue illustration but it is overall in good condition under a yellowed varnish. There is a 4 cm long diagonal damage above his left shoulder and retouching, over the varnish, is visible to the naked eye and visible in the catalogue illustration. This is confirmed under UV light which is otherwise impeded by the old varnish. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster 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."

Dottore Angelo Mazza suggests dating the present painting to Gennari's English period but comparisons can also be made with the dated portrait of Virgilio Davia, 1693 painted in Bologna (see P. Bagni, Benedetto Gennari e La Bottega defl Guercino, Padua 1986, p. 132, no. 82).

We are grateful to Dottore Angelo Mazza for endorsing the attribution to Gennari on the basis of photographs.