Central Italian School, 16th 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 has been restored and the picture looks very well. The canvas has an Italian glue lining. The canvas is well stretched and the paint layer is even. When viewed under ultraviolet light, although the varnish is slightly opaque making positive identification difficult, it seems that most of the retouches are visible. The ruff seems to have received most of the retouches. Although they are beautifully applied, they are quite numerous. There are small spots of retouching in the face, none of which are focused on any particular area. There is no real abrasion to the face. No retouches are visible in the hair under ultraviolet light. There are a couple of isolated losses in the red curtain. The left edge of the canvas shows restorations to what may be a stretcher mark. The dress and the fur seem to be in good condition. Retouches in the ermine trim are visible under ultraviolet light above her right hand, but much of the remainder of the dress seems to be undamaged. The picture should be hung in its current state.
"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."