Stefano Cernotto

Alice Lamb Cleaves Dodge (1905-1985), Washington, D.C.;
By descent to Vladimir Sviatopolk-Mirsky, Rutland, Vermont;
By descent to Arthur E. Tarantino, Washington, D.C.;
Thence by descent within the family;
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 27 January 2006, lot 283 (as Francesco Vecellio).

M. Lucco, "Occultato nell'ombra di Bonifacio Veronese: disvelamento di Stefano Cernotto," in Artibus et Historiae, XXXIV, 2013, 68, p. 177, reproduced p. 179, fig. 16 (as Stefano Cernotto).

The painting is in good condition overall and is ready to hang in its present state. The panel, which is unbeveled, is flat, stable and cradled on the reverse. The paint surface is good, and perhaps a little dirty beneath the varnish though the image reads very well. There is a fine vertical crack to the paint surface in the background, running from the center of the upper edge to the top the Virgin's head, with some very minor associated paint loss at the upper edge. The pigment in the lining of the Virgin's robe has bitumenised slightly but does not detract from the image. There is a fine vertical crack of approx. 5cm in the upper right corner. There is a minor loss in the lower left corner. There are a few minor old retouches along the edges which has slightly discolored with time. Inspection under UV reveals the fine retouching to the aforementioned cracks and further minor retouches scattered here and then, but it difficult to read clearly beneath the milky varnish. Offered in a decoratively 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.