Donato Creti

The canvas has a rather firm relining, the paint surface is dirty and the varnish is quite discoloured. There is a damage to the canvas in the upper left corner, just above the halo (visible in the catalogue illustration) and a very superficial surface scratch, approx. 3 cm. long, in the upper right corner (also visible in the catalogue illustration). There are discoloured retouchings in the forehead, cheek and chest of the saint, and throughout the background. These fluoresce under ultraviolet light, along with retouchings in the darker areas of the background and the saint's hair. In overall fair condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

We are grateful to Dott. Emilio Negro for identifying this work as by Donato Creti, the most gifted of Lorenzo Pasinelli's students. This head of the Magdalene is a detail from a larger work by Pasinelli in Valtice Castle, Breclav, Czechoslovakia.¹

1. See C. Baroncini, Lorenzo Pasinelli, 1993 Rimini, pp. 275–77, cat. no. 54, reproduced fig. 39.