Attributed to Bernardino Gatti, called Sojaro

Acquired by the present owner in 1974 from Andres Moro González, Seville.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. There are obvious splits to the canvas with accompanying paint losses. Worm damage to the panel has come through to the paint layer; there is a restored horizontal canvas seam to the lower section. The paint layer is raised but stable with some hard pronounced blistering. Under Ultra-Violet light can be seen a scattering of restorations across the surface denoting previous pin-prick sized losses, specifically to the figures of St Catherine, Joseph and Mary. The blue of the dress of the Madonna's has been strengthened. There are the remains of an old patchy and discoloured varnish. Areas of the image are in a good untouched state and the removal of the old and more recent varnishes would improve the tonality."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Another version of this composition, sold Christie's, London, 9 December 1994, lot 336 (as Follower of Girolamo Mazzola Bedoli), is now considered an autograph work by Bernardino Gatti, called Il Sojaro. The principle differences between the two works lie in the drapery, background landscape and the inclusion here of the figure of St. Joseph behind St. Catherine.