Francesco Guarino

Private collection, Italy.

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 is restored and should be hung in its current condition. The canvas has an old Italian lining. The stretcher is slightly warped, but it seems that this can be addressed with a more robust frame. The paint layer is cleaned and retouched. When viewed under ultraviolet light, one can clearly see retouches in tiny dots throughout the figure, particularly in the lighter colors. The background shows fewer retouches, but there are retouches here as well nonetheless. The restorations are well applied, and the condition can be considered very good for a work of this period.
"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."

The early Christian martyr Saint Agatha is often shown with her breasts on a platter. Here, however, Guarino portrays Agatha with great decorum, depicting her after Saint Peter visits her in jail and heals her wounds. 

The painting has been requested for the exhibition to be held in 2016 in Rome, Palazzo Braschi, dedicated to Artemisia Gentileschi and the artists in her circle. The exhibition will be curated by Professor Nicola Spinosa, whom we thank for endorsing the attribution of the present canvas.