Bolognese School, Late 17th Century

Oil on canvas, lined. Unframed. The original canvas is somewhat coarse; the edges of the original canvas are visible at the edges, as the work is not framed. The work is somewhat flattened by the lining; there are some areas of abrasion and thinness, especially in the darker passages. The surface is clean. Under UV light, there are retouches scattered throughout the work. Larger areas of retouching are visible along the lower right edge; a horizontal line extending across the center of the picture plane; in the shadows around the virgin and Joseph; and diagonal lines to address previous potential folds of the upper right and left corners.
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.

We are grateful to Prof. Daniele Benati for proposing an attribution to Giovanni Maria Viani on the basis of photographs.