CIRCLE OF PIER FRANCESCO CITTADINI | Portraits of Two Boys, traditionally identified as Princes of the Moncada family

Half lengths, wearing red and white embroidered costumes, with red ribbons and white lace cravats

Sir Frederick Adair, 1st Baronet Roe (1789-1866);
his posthumous sale, London, Christie's, 25 May 1867, lot 1, for £16-16s. (as the Princes of Moncada, by Roelas), where acquired;
thence by descent

Portrait of a boy, looking to the right The painting is on canvas and has been lined. The canvas is buckling across the bottom, and some of the paint surface is llifting across the picture - which has resulted in some small losses. There is a moderate sized damage, now rather crudely repaired, that runs from the background into the upper arm on the left side of the painting. The paint has also adopted the texture of the canvas where it is more thinly painted and the discoloured varnish and dirt has sunk down into the dips in the canvas weave giving the lighter areas such as the face and the white sleeves a slightly spotty appearance. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals a thick opaque varnish - the aforementioned restorations are confirmed, and further small spots of restoration to where the paint surface has lifted are visible, including one spot retouching above his right hand and some scattered in his red waist band. Portrait of a boy, looking to the left In similar condition to the pair - there are a few scattered restorations, mainly in the background, midway up the left side and to the right of the face. The dirt and discoloured varnish has also sunk into the dips in the paint surface giving it a spotty appearance similar to its pair. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a thick opaque varnish - there are visible touches to the aforentioned damages and others scattered in background as well as a small retouching in his wrist. Ohterewise there appears to be relavitely limited intervention. Both canvases are in fair overall condition and would benefit hugely from a relining and revarnish. A treatment report from external conservator Simon Folkes is available from the department. Both paintings are offered in matching carved and giltwood frames in good condition.
"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."