Giovanni Battista Piazzetta

The canvas is laid onto a modern board which is flat and stable, the edge of the canvas is just visible at the site edge of the frame along the lower and right sides. The paint surface is covered with a thick, yellowed varnish which is very dry but beneath that there are nice areas of impasto, particularly in the collar. Inspection under UV is impeded by the dirty varnish. The are some areas of abrasion, most noticeable in the background at right. The painting would benefit from a light clean and revarnish and is offered in a simple 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.

In a document dated 14 January 2011, George Knox supports an attribution of this painting to Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, noting the similarity between this work and Piazzetta's character head, shown without the supporting hand, engraved by Cattini in his Icones ad vivum expressae.¹

1.  M.A. Chiari Moretto Wiel, L'eredità del Piazzetta : volti e figure nell'incisione del Settecento, Venice 1996, p. 77, reproduced plate VIII.