PIERRE-JOSEPH GRISON, CALLED GIUSEPPE GRISONI | Portrait of a gentleman with his dog, three-quarter length, a landscape beyond

The canvas has been relined and is flat and stable. Though the lining feels somewhat tight, the paint layer has been nicely preserved and there is thick brushwork and impasto that remains, particularly in the white details of the costume as well as on the sitter's forehead. The colors are bright and varnish is clear and fresh. The brown of the costume has faded somewhat but it is not overly thin. Ultraviolet light reveals an even, slightly milky varnish, with scattered, small retouching and strengthening throughout the canvas. These are mostly pinpoint size and none of significance; they are applied carefully and none can be seen with the naked eye. The painting can be hung as is and is offered in a carved giltwood 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. 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."

The French-born painter and sculptor Pierre-Joseph Grison, known as Giuseppe Grisoni, studied in Florence under Tommaso Redi before moving to England in 1715. Although his grand group portrait of the Talman Family was a success (now in the National Portrait Gallery, London, inv. no. 5781), he returned to Italy in 1728 to teach at the Accademia di Belle Arti and eventually moved to Rome.