Vito d'Anna

Anonymous sale, Paris, Etude Tajan, 15 December 1997, lot 9;
Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 26 May 2000, lot 15;
There acquired by the family of the late collector.

The canvas is lined. A lovely, colorful image reads well underneath the varnish. Due to framing, there appears to be some chips and losses on the upper right and left corner, meanwhile two small, stable cracks are at the upper half of the left edge. Nails, possibly from the original lining, are visible along the right and left edge. What appears to be an old stretcher-bar line is faintly visible in the upper half as well as another horizontal line that runs through the center. Under inspection of UV light, scattered spots of retouches are visible throughout the sky and some of the figures. Some of the most prominent retouching to the painting is a line that runs horizontally through the center of the panel and a circular spot of about 2 in. in diameter that is at right above the elderly figure's head, possibly to address an old repair. A putti in the upper left quadrant appears also to be retouched. The painting is stable and could be hung in its current state. The painting is offered in a gilded, wood frame with some minor losses at the top right corner.
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.