Raffaele Rinaldi called Raffaele Menia

Both paintings are lighter in tone and more yellow in colour than the catalogue illustration suggest. Both canvases are unlined and are sagging slightly on their stretchers. The paint surface of the first (as illustrated on the left in the catalogue) appears to be in good country house condition. There are some very minor scattered areas of old damage which include minor paint losses in the upper right and lower centre and there are several minor superficial surface scratches visible to the naked eye, the most noticeable being two horizontal scratches measuring approx. 4 in. to the right of the arch, centre right and a vertical scratch running through the roof of the colonnade measuring approx. 25 in. There is also a small drill hole in the upper centre, all of which can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is also a thick discoloured varnish and scattered areas of surface dirt overall. The second (as illustrated on the right in the catalogue) appears to be in good country house condition. There is minor flaking caused by an old craquelure along the lower canvas edge. Elsewhere there are scattered minor losses noticeable in the sky upper right and in the foreground above the central soldier's helmet. There are likewise some very minor scattered abrasions, the most noticeable being a very minor abrasion in the base of the needle measuring approx. 3 in. centre left. Similarly there is a discoloured varnish and scattered surface dirt overall. Examination of the first under ultraviolet confirms the presence of a thick discoloured varnish overall which hinders inspection, however there does not appear to be any apparent retouching and the painting appears to be in its original untouched state. Examination of the second under ultraviolet confirms the presence of a thick discoloured varnish overall which similarly hinders inspection however there are some very minor scattered flecks of retouching. There is also retouching to an old areas of repaired damage in the lower left beneath the red cloak which measures approx. 2 in. and which corresponds to a small patch on the reverse. Offered in matching oval gilt wood frames in good overall 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."

We are grateful to Prof. David R. Marshall for suggesting an attribution to Raffaele Rinaldi on the basis of photographs.  The figures appear to be by another, as yet unidentified, hand.