Filippo Vitale

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The original canvas is lined with a 5cm addition along the top edge and a restored join. The paint surface is raised but stable. The left hand and bottom edges have been restored. There is a visible coarse canvas texture to the paint surface. The paint surface to the female figure on the right has been abraded, particularly her dark veil, similarly Lot's hands and cloak have been compromised. The varnish is significantly discoloured and abraded and its removal would improve the tonality."
"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."

The attribution to Filippo Vitale has been suggested by Prof. Nicola Spinosa who believes this is a late work by the artist, painted at a time when he was influenced by Pacecco de Rosa.  Prof. Spinosa has noted the stylistic similarities between the present lot and Vitale's Pietà in the church of Santa Maria Regina Coeli in Naples.

Another representation of this subject by Vitale was sold in London, Sotheby's, 11 July 2002, lot 188, for £20,000.