Francesco Polazzo

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The painting has an old lining and the paint is raised but stable. The painting has a restored damaged in the centre which has left a deformation. Beneath a very discoloured and degraded varnish can be seen the paint surface which, overall, is in a good condition with much of the detail and paint texture intact, although some of the more delicate glazes and scumbles have been compromised, particularly in the darker passages. The tonal improvement would be significant were the varnish removed. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame, with some losses."
"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 Professor Lino Moretti for suggesting the attribution to Francesco Polazzo and for pointing out that the present lot is a bozzetto for the left hand side of the altarpiece in the Cathedral of Bergamo (see R. Palluchini, La Pittura nel Veneto, Milan 1986, p. 330, reproduced). Prof. Moretti also points out that in a letter dated 4th July 1731 Polazzo refers to a "modelli delli quadri del duomo"¹ although he does not mention any details or specifications, but which may refer to the present lot.

¹ R. Palluchini, Rivista di Venezia, August 1934, p. 330.