Bartolomeo Pedon

Both canvasses, both composed of two separate canvasses sewn together, have old relinings. In both, a vertical seam is visible running though the centre. Both works have a dirty varnish, particularly noticeable in the whites, which have yellowed. Very good quality impasto is present throughout both works, particularly prominent in the whites. Both canvasses should respond well to cleaning. With a ruined tower at centre: inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an even varnish and small scattered retouchings in the vegetation at upper right and along the lower edge. Restrengthening is revealed along the silhouette of the landscape. A repair to a horizontal scratch to the right of the tower, measuring approximately 26 cm, is also revealed. With a tree at centre: scattered retouchings are visible in the right-hand side of the cloud at upper right. Restrengthening is visible along the part of the seam which runs through the tree. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an even varnish and confirms the abovementioned retouchings and restrengthenings. Overall, underneath the dirty varnish, both works are in very good condition, with very little retouching. Both works are offered in carved softwood frames with a few minor knocks.
"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 Lino Moretti for endorsing the attribution to Bartolomeo Pedon, on the basis of photographs. We are also grateful to Laura Muti and Daniele de Sarno Prignano for their suggestion that this is an early work by Marco Ricci, made on the basis of photographs.