Antonio de Pereda y Saldago

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 21 May 1998, lot 46 (as signed and dated lower right: PERE-DA / ANO / F. 1656);
There acquired by the present collector.

Oil on canvas, lined. The picture surface is pressed. The craquelure, mainly in the dark blues along the top, has minor texture. The surface appears clean. Under UV light, there are fine scattered retouches throughout the picture. Areas of more retouching include the olive branch and floral still life at far left; the seraphim's head at lower center left; the area around the central putti's legs; the lower right corner; and a 1" x 2" area in the white of the Virgin's robes. The work presents well and is ready to hang in its current state. In a gold carved 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.

This is a fragment of a larger composition, presumably the Assumption of the Virgin.