Miguel Cabrera (1695-1786)

The Collection of Mr. Henry Shaw
Gift from above to the present owner (April 1880)

The canvas is unlined. The paint layer is stable. While the work is dirty and a little dull, it is by no means unattractive in its current condition. Some cracking has developed to the surface. A vertical line of slight distortion and small paint losses running behind the figure of the Madonna indicates that the picture was at some point stretched onto a smaller stretcher; these losses and marks are associated with the side of this previous stretcher. The current format seems to be the original scale of the work. There are some restorations in the forehead of the kneeling king and three or four other restorations beneath the same king’s hands. There is a triangular loss measuring 2 inches on each side in his knee. The left side of the painting should presumably be restored. (This condition report has been provided courtesy of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.)
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.