Roman School, 18th century

Anonymous sale, Monaco, Sotheby's, 6 December 1987, lot 24 (as Vanvitelli);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 9 December 2005, lot 140 (as Circle of Giovanni Paolo Panini);
Sale, Vienna, Dorotheum, 16 October 2007, lot 96 (as attributed to Vanvitelli), where acquired by the present owner.

The canvas has an old relining which is still effective. To the naked eye the paint surface appears rather dirty but sound, with the impasto still well preserved. A small area of restored damage can be made out upper centre, with a corresponding patch on the reverse of the canvas. Very small localised paint losses can be made out, for example upper centre, and to the edges of the canvas. Inspection under UV light reveals some retouchings to the darker tones, for example in the ceiling, and in the baldacchino. The painting would benefit from a clean. Offered in a later wooden frame with some surface scuffs.
"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."