MICHELE MARIESCHI | An architectural capriccio with figures beside a river

In the collection of the family of the present owner for at least 20 years.

The canvas has a firm relining, the paint surface is relatively clean, and the varnish is only slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an extensive campaign of restoration in the sky which largely follows the patterns of craquelure. There are also concentrated areas of retouching along all four margins. The majority of the architecture appears to remain largely untouched, save for some retouchings in the arch. Despite the intervention in the sky, the paintings appears clean and ready to hang.
"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."

This unpublished work is entirely characteristic of Marieschi's architectural capricci. A very similar composition, which differs only in minor details and in the figures, is in a private collection, and recorded on the Fondazione Zeri online database (no. 72729). We are grateful to Charles Beddington for endorsing the attribution following first-hand inspection.