Giacomo Ceruti

"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 and the paint layer is in a good condition. A 1cm strip to the right hand edge has been retouched as has a horizontal damage through the background. Under U-V light a further scattering of small retouchings can be seen. The still life is in good condition. There is a moderately discoloured varnish. In a gilt frame, good condition."
"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."

We are grateful to Dott. Alessandro Morandotti for confirming the attribution to Giacomo Ceruti on the basis of a colour transparency. He compares the initials that appear on the stone ledge lower centre to those used by Ceruti on the earthenware jug in his Still life with a pewter plate, a knife, bread, salami, nuts, a glass and a jug with red wine, which is in a private collection.¹

1.  See A. Morandotti, in F. Zeri ed., La natura morta in Italia, Milan 1989, vol. I, p. 293, reproduced on p. 294, fig. 345.