Follower of Raphael

Oil on canvas, relined. The picture surface is somewhat flattened and the background somewhat thin. Evidence of 2 previous tears in the background at left; a tear at the top of the subject's head; and two tears in the background at right between the subject and the top of the chair. The varnish is unevenly applied and drips are visible to the bottom half of the canvas. Frame abrasion as well as scattered areas of pigment separation. Under UV light, the work is covered by a green fluorescing varnish that obscures the majority of the surface. This varnish has been cleaned from the subjects face, arms, hands, and the papers and bell at lower left. The aforementioned tears - in the background at right, in the subjects head, and in the background at left - fluoresce. Additionally, a few small scattered dots and dashes of retouching are visible in the work.
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.

A derivation of Raphael's Pope Leo X with Cardinals Giulio de’ Medici and Luigi de’ Rossi, painted circa 1517-18 and now in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence.