Circle of Giuseppe Maria Crespi

The colours are warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an old relining which is still sound but which has slightly pressed the paint surface. The varnish layer is now dirty and discoloured. Overall the paint surface beneath appears very well preserved, with no signs of major damages or repairs, but has suffered from some wear in the darker tones. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals only limited scattered local retouchings: for example strengthenings to the sleeve and doublet, the shoulder, the chest of the cat and around the margins. These have all now discoloured and are clearly visible to the naked eye. This lot is offered with a carved and gilt wood frame as illustrated, with some damages, especially to the bottom left corner.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This painting shows a certain affinity with the works of Giuseppe Maria Crespi and, on the basis of photographs, Mrs. Mira Pajes Merriman does not exclude the possibility that it may even be an early work by the artist himself. She draws attention to similarities in Crespi's Marriage at Cana in the Chicago Art Institute, where there is the same treatment of light and fabric, as well as a similar cat (see M. Pajes Merriman, Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Milan 1980, p. 250, cat. no. 51, reproduced).