FLORENTINE SCHOOL, 16TH CENTURY | A sibyl

In the collection of the present owners by the 1950s.

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Florentine Sch. 16th C A Sybil Oil on panel, in a modern gilt wood frame with some losses. The poplar panel is slightly convex and between 0.5 and 0.75 cm thick. There is evidence to the reverse of previous canvas reinforcement and minor worm damage. The panel is secure and has no splits or other deformations. The paint layer is in good original condition. There is evidence of shrinkage of the layer to the background, through the hair of the Sybil and the darker shadows of her red dress. No restoration intervention has been carried out to address this and the pale ground layer is prevalent through the fragmented surface. Subtle nuances remain within the flesh tones, the fabric and the diaphanous veil. Removal of the discoloured varnish would improve the overall tonality and re-varnishing would saturate colours that retain their vibrancy.
"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."