Roman school, 18th century

With Accursio Accorsi, Bologna, 1959, from whom purchased by the ancestor of the present owner (as by Eustache de le Sueur).

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 oil on canvas has an old lining which nicely stabilizes the surface. The paint layer seems to be quite dirty and although a fairly subdued palette, it should become brighter if it were to be cleaned. The retouches that are visible either under ultraviolet light or to the naked eye are few and far between. This picture is clearly in lovely condition, and with a small amount of attention will change it noticeably.
"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 Dr. Giancarlo Sestieri, who, based on photographs, has suggested a possible attribution to Michelangelo Ricciolini.  Dr. Sestieri has cited similarities between the present composition and two others by Ricciolini, one of which, Samson and Delilah, is in the Galleria Spada, Rome.  (See G. Sestieri, Repertorio Della Pittura Romana della fine del Seicento e del Settecento, vol. III, Turin 1994, figs. 968-969.)