Michele Tosini, called Michele di Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio

On a thick uncradled panel that is flat and stable. Overall the detail in the figure has been well retained and image reads well. The browns of the jacket are a bit thin and there is a slight unevenness to the surface in some areas, possibly due to old small liftings that have been laid down, such as a small such area at right side of his cap. Examination under UV reveals numerous small, scattered retouches evenly distributed on face, costume, and background. These have been well applied and the painting is presentable. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame with some minor nicks.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This intimate Portrait of a Young Boy is a newly discovered work by the Florentine painter, Michele Tosini, known as Michele di Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio.  The painting can be compared to the artist's half-length Portrait of a Young Man with a Letter, in the Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence (inv. no. 1581) which was formerly considered to be Salviati but now given to Tosini.¹ 

The present likeness is starkly lit from upper left and the artist captures his earnest young sitter with remarkable directness and immediacy.  Another similarly composed bust length Portrait of Young Man sold in these rooms in 1974 with an attribution to Salviati, but was later attributed by Federico Zeri to Tosini.²  While the present portrait is of higher quality, the Portrait of a Young Man is  lit in the same bright manner from left, casting a shadow across the sitter's left cheek and chin and leaving the left hand section of the background in darkness.

We are grateful to Carlo Falciani for suggesting the attribution on the basis of photographs.

1.  Private written communication, dated 21 November 2015; L. Mortari, Francesco Salviati, Rome 1992, p. 143, cat. no. 104, reproduced.
2.  Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 10 July 1974, lot 31; Ibid., p. 158, cat. no. 170, reproduced.