Florentine School, mid 16th Century

Private collection, Italy.

The painting is much less yellow in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest and the colours are more subtle. Painted on a three-piece panel with two horizontal baton supports and evidence of old woodworm damage. The paint surface appears to be in fair condition. The woodworm damage can be seen in the paint surface and there are several scattered paint losses assosciated with an old unstable craquelure, all of which can be seen in the catalogue illustration. Otherwise the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition given the picture's age and there is surface dirt and a discoloured varnish overall. Examination under Ultraviolet light confirms the presence of the discoloured varnish which makes full- inspection difficult. However, there is evidence of what appears to be several campaigns of retouching primarily to the darker pigments. There is also retouching to the small area of damage in the Madonna's left knee measuring approximately three inches. There is also evidence of some more recent scattered minor retouching to her hair and to the top of the left hand panel join. Offered in a plain wood and gold painted 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."