Domenico Robusti, called Domenico Tintoretto

Margaret F. Schroeder;
By whose Estate donated to the Fogg Art Museum, acc. no. 18.1973. 

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This canvas has been lined using wax as an adhesive. The paint layer is stable but the lining is quite lumpy and some further attention to the lining would improve the surface. Some restorations have been applied but they are not particularly good. The upper left corner has a fairly large restoration situated an inch or two from the left edge running down the left side into the background. Similarly on the right side there is a restoration running through the inscription from the crest down to the lower right background. In the face of Johannes, the restorations address losses across the bridge of his nose, in both cheeks and in his forehead. The restorations for the most part are quite visible and have been poorly applied. If the restoration were to be completely reexamined, not only in the lining but in the retouching also, the picture would improve greatly.
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.

We are grateful to Professor Paola Rossi who, based on photographs, has identified this portrait to be a work by Domenico Tintoretto.

Giovanni Bembo was elected ninety-second Doge of Venice in 1615, but he held the position for only three years until his death in 1618.  Before his election, Bembo was renowned as an efficient admiral, who defeated the Uskoks pirates, who, from their strategic location on the Croatian coast, had been wreaking havoc on the commerce of the Adriatic for much of the 16th century.

The Bembo, an ancient noble Venetian family, boasted many illustrious members, including the 16th century scholar and cardinal, Pietro Bembo (1470 - 1547).

An attribution to Jacopo Palma il Giovane (Venice circa 1548-1628) has also been suggested for this portrait.