Veneto-Cretan School, 17th century

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work could easily be presented in its current condition. The paint layer is stable and seems to be clean. It is very softly varnished, if at all. The gilded areas look old and attractive. There is no reason to think they are not period. The panel is slightly curved from left to right. There is a pronounced ridge beginning in the middle of the bottom edge and running towards the center of the painting. There is a raised lump at the bottom of the sky and in the right side of the torso of the angel. These lumps have received a small amount of retouching and there are a few further spots of retouches around the edges. The work looks well as is.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."