Francesco Montelatici, called Cecco Bravo

The catalogue illustration is representative although the painting is slightly less contrasted in tone. The canvas has a very recent relining and the painting has also been recently cleaned and restored. The painting has suffered from wear, as is often the case with this artist, and the background areas which were more thinly painted have lost considerable definition. A considerable number of scattered retouchings throughout the picture have altered the painting's overall appearance: this goes some way in explaining the apparent weakness and lack of definition in areas such as the figures' faces. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals considerable retouchings and restoration throughout the painting, scattered throughout the darker areas but also apparent on the figure of Haman. Esther has survived better; her robe, hand and headdress are almost free of retouchings, though her facial features have been strengthened. The painting has suffered considerably in the past which, as mentioned above, is not uncommon in paintings by Cecco Bravo since they are generally painted in a very free manner. Although the painting has been recently restored its current appearance is not entirely satisfactory and the painting may benefit from another restoration campaign, perhaps removing certain retouchings and attempting to redress the balance in the painting. This lot is offered in a gilt wood frame, with chips and minor damages (particularly along the left side) but structurally sound.
"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 Dott.ssa Francesca Baldassari for endorsing the attribution to Cecco Bravo on the basis of a photograph and for suggesting that the painting is a work from the artist's mature phase. Dott.ssa Baldassari has proposed that the subject represented is that of Esther standing before Haman and has tentatively connected the work with a painting depicting a scene from the story of Esther mentioned in an inventory of Cecco's possessions, dated 19 April 1660. Unfortunately the measurements are not given in the inventory so the two cannot be firmly connected at this stage.