North Italian School, first half of the 17th Century

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The oak panel has an unstable split down the left hand side. There is also a vertical hairline crack to the paint layer through the old woman's neck. In some areas a thin and broken paint layer has been augmented by restoration e.g. hair of young girl, shadow between the heads, the darks of the old woman's dress and the ledge. Visible wood grain can be seen through young woman's face. The writing has been abraded along with other original glazes. The varnish is discoloured , tonality of the composition would improve if it were removed."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."