Attributed to Pietro Malombra

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's,11 December 1986, lot 174 (as Follower of Jacopo Tintoretto).

The canvas has been relined, the paint surface is well retained, though the impasto has been a little pressed in the relining, and is under a thick, shiny varnish. There is scattered thinness in the darks. There is a small horizontal tear below Delilah's foot, a small scratch in the lower right hand corner and scattered old repairs and reworkings, distributed throughout are visible to the naked eye and there are some larger concentrations in the red drapery at left. The painting has not been restored in some time and many retouches could be addressed again. The painting has good coloration and presents a strong image. Offered in a carved gilt wood 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

An attribution to Pietro Malombra has been tentatively proposed by Prof. Lino Moretti, to whom we are grateful, on the basis of photographs. Malombra is thought to have trained with Giuseppe Salviati but his dramatic compositions and fluid handling of paint show the marked influence of Tintoretto.