彼得羅·貝洛蒂

Possibly Farsetti collection, Venice;
Anonymous sale ("Property of a Private Collector"), New York, Christie's, 31 May 1990, lot 80.

L. Anelli, Pietro Bellotti: 1625–1700, Brescia 1996, p. 303, reproduced p. 307, fig. 264.

The canvas has an old glue relining and is overall in good and stable despite a very slight buckle in the upper left section. The paint surface overall is good with some frame abrasion visible at the left and right edges. There is an old repaired horizontal damage in the background above the headdress and what appears to be strengthening to the shadows of the skull and the area between the skull and the book. There is some minor abrasion and possible retouched losses to the pages of the book. There is a horizontal line running 2 inches parallel to the upper edge, possibly a canvas seam or an old addition. Inspection under UV reveals aforementioned strengthening and scattered very minor retouching,including some to the sand timer at right and the pages beneath the skull. The painting is ready to hang in its current state and is offered in a simply carved gilt wood 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.

Luciano Anelli dates this picture to circa 1665-70 and considers it to pre-date the Old Philosopher with a Manuscript and a Seedling, which is dated 1670.¹ 

1.  L. Anelli, Pietro Bellotti: 1625–1700, Brescia 1996, p. 306, reproduced p. 308, fig. 265.