Juan Martín Cabezalero

The canvas has been relined. The varnish is intact. Darker pigments are beginning to form cracks. There is thinning in the brown pigments of the background. There are several large areas of repainting which has slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows networks of repaired small tears in the left of the Virgin's dress and in her hand; to the putti group lower right, to the putti lower left; a tear in the head of the putti upper right; and to the seam running vertically down the canvas just left of the centre. There is also a line, which may once have been a fold in the canvas, running horizontally, that has been partially repaired. Otherwise there are scattered repairs to holes and tears throughout.
"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."

Cabezalero here clearly manifests a debt to his teacher Juan Carreño de Miranda and to the other great influence on his work, Sir Anthony van Dyck. His style is here particularly fluid and, in conjunction with the daring diagonal composition, it makes for a particularly dazzling example of the master's work.
For information about the artist, please see the catalogue note to the previous lot (563).