ALESSANDRO VAROTARI, CALLED IL PADOVANINO | Putti and satyrs in a landscape

José Díaz-Agero González, I conde de Malladas;
Agustín Díaz-Agero y Gutiérrez, II conde de Malladas, Caballero de Montesa (1841–1924);
Prudencio Díaz-Agero y Ojesto (d. 1934);
Alfonso Díaz-Agero y Jiménez;
By inheritance to the present owner.

The canvas is lined, and has an extremely darkened varnish which has been partially opened in several windows (visible in the catalogue illustration). There is a retouched L-shaped tear in the centre of the right-hand side approx. 22 x 22 cm., and there is a raised vertical line in the paint surface possible caused by an old fold, a sixth of the way from the right-hand side. There are small areas of loss, some of which have been retouched, notably along all four margins, in and around the putto upper left, to the left of the central putto’s hands, and just to the left of the heads of the satyrs (right). Inspection under ultraviolet light is impeded by the varnish but confirms the retouchings around these losses and the tear.
"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."

We are grateful to Dr. Nicholas Penny for identifying the present painting as the work of Il Padovanino following first-hand inspection, and to Prof. Peter Humfrey for supporting this attribution.