Circle of Andrea del Sarto

Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 9 October 1991, lot 14 (as Circle of Jacopo di Giovanni di Francesco, called Jacone);
Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 26 January 2012, lot 254;
There purchased by the present owner. 

The panel is uncradled, but has two horizontal battens set into the panel on the reverse. under a thick, dirty old varnish. there is a central panel join which has become separated at top and bottom and is visible to naked eye. some other vertical cracks can be seen such as in the shoulder and red drapery of St. John which extends down through the face and body of the Christ Child, and another in the right sleeve of the Virgin's drapery. the paint surface in the figures has been quite well retained for the most part, with good impasto and nice preservation of detail. there is thinness in some of the browns of the background landscape and architecture. there are visible, discolored old retouches scattered here and there. examination under UV light shows retouching along the crack which runs throught the Christ Child, and along the central join; retouching along some of the other vertical cracks in Joseph's face and hair, scattered on other figures and in background; and at upper left corner. this painting has clearly not been attended to in a very long time and would benefit from sensitive restoration and a re-addressing of some of the older, discolored retouches which would greatly improve its appearance. Offered in a cassetta style frame, black with gold painted decoration. Some nicks.
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.