Manner of Carlo Dolci

Giuseppe Bianchi, Milan;
Acquired from the above by James Irvine on behalf of Sir William Forbes, 7th Bt. of Pitsligo (1773–1828), 27 June 1827, in Milan, for 50 Louis ('Two heads in oval, Carlo Dolci').

Both paintings generally in very good condition. Virgin with some evident loss in the gilding and under her chin. Christ with some wear to the upper background.
"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."

James Irvine acquired this pair from the dealer Bianchi as part of the same group which included the similarly small and devotional Madonna by Sassoferrato (sold in these rooms, 7 December 2016, lot 9, £66,000). Though not direct copies of Dolci's work, the Mater Dolorosa derives ultimately from the painting in the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo,¹ while the Ecce Homo is related to examples such as that in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence.²

1. Inv. no. P. 1998-0002; see F. Baldassari, Carlo Dolci, Florence 2015, p. 220, cat. no. 116, reproduced in colour.
2. Inv. no. 485; see Baldassari 2015, p. 161, cat. no. 65, reproduced.