Pietro della Vecchia

Anonymous sale, Milan, Finarte, 29 March 1983, lot 165.

Collezioni private bergamasche. Monumenta Bergomensia, vol. LXI, Bergamo 1983, fig. CCCXXIII (incorrectly described as 'Jacob before Isaac');
B. Aikema, Pietro della Vecchia and the heritage of the Renaissance in Venice, Florence, 1990, p. 121, cat. no. 31.

The canvas has been lined. There is a horizontal seam visible running through the length of the canvas a third from the lower margin. The varnish appears patchy and discoloured. Visible to the naked eye are a few restored old damages, including one small circular restoration at the centre of the lower margin, and a more major one in the dark tones at the top left corner – measuring approx. 5 x 3 inches. There are a handful of white surface accretions. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals very little – the varnish doesn’t appear to be very thick but does fluoresce opaque and no old restoration is visible. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame in good 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."

Aikema dates this painting to circa 1660-70.