Giuseppe Antonio Pianca

The picture is lighter in tone and the colours are more subtle. The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is in fair overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint apart from an old abrasion in the darker pigments mainly in the background. There is also surface dirt and a varnish overall and old matted reouchings along the uopper canvas edge. Examination under ultraviolet reveals retouchings to the canvas edges as well as scattered minor cosmetic retouchings to the clothes and face. There is also a small area of retouching behind Mary which measures approx. 1 in. Offered in a painted wood frame embellished at the corners 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."

Predominantly active in Lombardy, Pianca was nevertheless inspired by the Genoese Alessandro Magnasco and the Venetian Sebastiano Ricci. His idiosyncratic style is marked by strong colours and rapid brushstrokes, as apparent in the present work.