Giovanni Battista Salvi, called Sassoferrato

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 painting on copper has been quite recently restored and if the varnish were to be freshened slightly, it could be hung as is. The paint layer has been cleaned and varnished. A few remnants of old varnish are visible under ultraviolet light around the edges and a small handful of tiny dots of retouch have been applied in the neck on the left side. Overall this is a picture in almost perfect condition.
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.

This beautiful and well preserved painting is a rare work on copper by Sassoferrato.

This composition, known in other variants, with or without hands held in prayer, was one of the artist's favorites: particularly close, and varying in only the slightest details and dimensions, is the version at the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna¹ and another painting recently sold at auction, Milan, Sotheby's.²  Mary, humble and concentrated in her thoughts, is distinguished by a simplicity in the choice of color and tone, principally the contrast between the warm tonality of her hair, which falls lightly and flowingly past the shoulders, and the neutral background which is juxtaposed against the vibrant blue of the veil.  The colors appear further enhanced by the sheen of the impasti, which in turn is accentuated by the smooth copper support.  As noted by many, the face of the Virgin, tilted toward her right shoulder with half-closed eyes, is a type explored by Albrecht Dürer, specifically in his Madonna with Pears of 1512, from which many reproductions circulated around Italy, and by Perugino in his sweet virgins with small lips and doe-like eyes.

 

1  See A. Salvoni, Giovan Battista Salvi il Sassoferrato, exhibition catalogue, Sassoferrato, June 29 -October 14, 1990, p. 49, cat. no. 4, reproduced.
2  Milan, Sotheby's,  May 30, 2006, lot 8, reproduced.