Neapolitan School, 17th Century

Anonymous sale ("The Property of a Lady"), London, Sotheby's, 28 October 2010, lot 95;
There acquired by the present collector.

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. As in so many Neapolitan paintings from this period, the paint layer has become quite visibly cupped. This is not unusual. Much of the figure is quite well preserved and under-restored. The one area of concern is the right thigh and knee, which have been restored quite extensively. The structure of the right leg could be more easily understood if this restoration were reexamined. There are other isolated restorations. The varnish has bloomed slightly and is sunken in the darker tones. The area of most concern is the right thigh and the background in the center right. If the retouches were reexamined and more thoughtfully reapplied, the painting would improve noticeably.
"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."