Francesco de Mura

Madrid, Art Market, 1977.

J. Urrea Fernandez, La pintura italiana del siglo XVIII en España, Valladolid 1977, p. 335, reproduced pl. CVII, fig. 2.

The canvas has an old lining, the paint surface is dirty and the varnish is discoloured. There are scattered tiny losses on either side of the Madonna's blue robe and upper left in the sky, and larger losses in the upper right corner, approx. 3 x 1 cm., and centre right, 2 cm. long. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals old scattered retouching throughout, including along a horizontal old fold, which runs the width of the canvas through the Madonna's knee, in the body of the putto and the cloud beside, lower left, and in the neck of the angel right, the largest of these measuring no longer than 10 cm. There is also fairly extensive retouching along the lower margin, but the upper half of the canvas appears only to have minor scattered small areas of retouching. The painting is in overall good condition, and would benefit greatly from a light clean.
"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."