Circle of Antonio Allegri, called Correggio, possibly second half of the 16th Century

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work is painted on a single piece of wood which is slightly curved from left to right but is un-broken. In the lower center a few small cracks have developed which have caused minor paint loss, which have not been restored. The surface is extremely dirty and dull but faintly visible under ultraviolet light are some broad retouches which have been applied in the background around the Madonna's head. However, in the Madonna, the Child and their clothing, there seem to be only a few restorations. The area around the cherries in the lower center is a little abraded and there are restorations on the left side of the Madonna's head, on Her eyelids and in the eyebrows. If the painting were to be properly cleaned, a good deal of this restoration would be deemed to be unnecessary and although there is a little thinness here and there and possibly evidence that this painting originally had an arched top, the condition is good.
"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."