Gaspare Diziani

M. le Channins [?] Barbier, Nancy, his collector's stamp on the reverse of the canvas (according to the catalogue of the sale held at Sotheby's, London, 3 July 1997);
Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Family'), London, Sotheby's, 3 July 1997, lot 87, for £62,000 (as Gaspare Diziani).

In overall good condition. The canvas has been relined, the paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet reveals scattered retouchings largely along the left, upper and right margins, and a number of small, minor retouchings scattered throughout, including in the hair of the man with his back to the viewer lower right. Offered in a gilt moulded wood frame in good condition.
"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."

Unpublished when it was acquired at auction in 1997, this painting is comparable to other subjects from classical history painted by Diziani between 1740 and 1747. Bernard Aikema proposed a dating in the late 1740s for this picture. We are grateful to Prof. Aikema for reiterating his view following recent first-hand inspection of the painting.