Circle of Giuseppe Arcimboldo

Anonymous sale, Venice, Semenzato, 25 October 1987, lot 133 (as Pietro Paolo Bonzi, with its pendant Summer).

G. Bocchi and U. Bocchi (eds.), Pittori di natura morta a Roma, artisti Italiani 1630-1750, Viadana 2005, pp. 273, 275, and 318, reproduced in color (as Giovanni Stanchi, possibly from his workshop, and location unknown).

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 shows a lot of damage and heavy handed restoration. The varnish is quite opaque. The canvas has an Italian lining which is reasonably effective. If the work is cleaned, almost all of the sky as seen at present would be removed, as it is non-original pigment. Extensive damage and restoration can also be seen within the still life. Although the work would clearly improve if proper restoration were carried out, there is no question that the condition is very poor.
"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."