Manner of Alesso di Benozzo Gozzoli

Bruno Canto, Milan;
Thence by descent.

The following condition report has been provided by Karen Thomas of Thomas Art Conservation LLC., 336 West 37th Street, Suite 830, New York, NY 10018, 212-564-4024, info@thomasartconservation.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. Many details included in this picture — the highlights in the foliage and in the Magdalene's hair, the dripping blood at the foot of the cross, the town in the distance — appear to be nicely preserved. Retouching is visible in Christ's torso, the figures' faces, and the upper sky. There appears to be some strengthening in the folds of Christ's loincloth. It seems probable that an alteration has occurred in the pigment used in Mary's mantle as it was not likely to originally have appeared brown. Dirt is embedded in the fine network of aging cracks and a discolored varnish coats the surface. Scattered mild, localized tenting follows the woodgrain. The vertically grained wood support has been thinned, based on the exposed network of woodworm tunnels, and displays a mild lateral warp. Two crossbars dovetailed into the back of the panel are not original.
"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."