North Italian School, circa 1820

The painting appears to be largely unlined. The edges have been reinforced with strip lining. The painting reads well and presents a strong image beneath a slightly discolored varnish. Faint stretcher bar marks are visible at all edges. Inspection under UV reveals fine lines and small spots of retouching scattered here and there in the background, in the figure, and in his costume, some of which have slightly discolored. There is a spot of retouching visible in his lower right chin. More concentrated areas of retouching are visible closer to the edges, for example, in the sky at upper right, and at the center of the left edge. Offered in a decoratively carved giltwood frame.
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.

Giovan Battista Perasso, nicknamed Balilla (meaning young boy), was a Genoese urchin credited with starting the successful revolt of 1747 against the occupying Hapsburg army during the War of The Austian Successon. Tradition tells us that Balilla hurled a stone at Austrian soldiers and calling the citizens of Genoa to rise up and drive out the oppressive Hapsburg forces. Balilla's youth and revolutionary zeal resulted in him becoming a symbol of the struggle of the Italian people for independence and unification; he is considered one of the Padri della Patria (Fathers of the Fatherland). Balilla is commemorated by the famous 1862 bronze standing in the center of the Piazza Portoria in Genoa.