Circle of Alessandro Allori

The panel has developed a slight bow and is held by two old battens on the reverse. There is an old vertical 10 cm crack rising from the bottom edge in the lower right hand corner. The painting is now dirty and its varnish layer yellowed. The paint surface seems to have had a history of flaking in the past and has developed a close and unusually even craquelure throughout. A few minor old repaired losses are scattered throughout the background, to the top of the boys head, above the lady's sleeve and the lower foreground. Ultra violet light reveals extensive old repair to this cracking, notably to the flesh tones and upper costume of the woman and to much of the figure of the boy. The joined hands have been repainted. Offered in an Italianate gilt wood frame in fair 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."