Neri di Bicci

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The poplar panel has had worm infestation. There is a clean horizontal join and a diagonal split on the reverse of the panel; this and the presence of wood knots has caused surface disturbance and accompanying paint loss. The paint surface is raised and unstable in some areas with worm holes visible on the surface. There is discoloured restoration covering paint loss in the sky and further restorations to the head and face of the Saint and to his robe. These, however, do not cover paint loss but mostly old discolorations. The figure of the Saint and the foreground appear to be in a good untouched condition. The removal of the varnish 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."

This panel may originally have formed part of an altarpiece commissioned by the Franciscan order. Another panel from the same complex, depicting Saint Francis of Assisi, was sold New York, Christie's, 19 April 2007, lot 201.