Giovanni Battista Salvi, called Sassoferrato

(Probably) Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 2 May 1874, lot 87 ('Sasso Ferrato, The Madonna, with her hands clasped in prayer'), for 50 guineas;
G. Jacobson Esq., by whom sold through Martin H. Colnaghi to Henry C. Leigh Bennett, Thorpe Place, Chertsey, in December 1880 (according to a label on the reverse);
Thence by descent (though moved from Thorpe Place after its sale in the 1920s or '30s).

The painting is slightly lighter in tone than it appears in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has a relatively old (19th century?) relining. The painting is dirty and the varnish yellowed. There are no obvious damages or areas of abrasion; only minor paint loss beneath her chin (visible in the catalogue illustration) and some areas in the lower left quarter of the painting in need of stabilisation. There are a few minor discoloured retouchings scattered on the Virgin's forehead and beside her mouth, but these are small and not significant. Most other scattered retouchings measure no more than a couple of millimetres each. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals retouchings in the background, mainly along the outlines of the Virgin's blue cloak. The areas of opacity in the deeper folds of her blue cloak probably affect the varnish only: this will only become clear through cleaning. The painting will greatly benefit from sensitive cleaning, restoration, and revarnishing. This lot is offered in a Charles II carved and gilt wood frame, in good condition overall though with gilding rubbed in certain areas.
"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."

Although characteristic of the paintings of Madonnas for which Sassoferrato became famous, this is the only known version of this composition and is therefore an exciting addition to the artist's oeuvre.

We are grateful to Prof. François Macé de Lépinay for endorsing the attribution to Sassoferrato after first-hand inspection of the painting. He has suggested that the Madonna may represent the Virgin Annunciate and may once have had a pendant showing the Archangel Gabriel, as is the case for the two paintings in the Pinacoteca Comunale in Cesena (see F. Macé de Lépinay, in Giovan Battista Salvi "Il Sassoferrato", exhibition catalogue, Sassoferrato, 29 June - 14 October 1990, p. 56, cat. no. 9, and pp. 58-59, cat. no. 11, both reproduced, the latter in colour).