Corrado Giaquinto

Relined. under a slightly dirty varnish. paint surface is generally well retained and detail and coloration remain good. there is a small tear with paint loss in the sky at upper right and some minor scuffing along outer edges. Under UV: it is difficult to see through the old varnish. there do not appear to be more than a few old retouches here and there.
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 painting is another version by Corrado Giaquinto of a Visitation formerly in the Pucci Collection, Naples.  The Pucci Visitation is an early work by Giaquinto based on Francesco Solimena's painting of the same subject for the altar of S. Maria Donnalbina, Naples.¹  That picture, and other autograph paintings by Giaquinto modelled after works by Solimena, prove the strong influence that the elder Neapolitan artist had on the formative work of Giaquinto.

We are grateful to Dr. Nicola Spinosa for identifying this work by Corrado Giaquinto based on firsthand inspection.

1.  See N. Spinosa in Corrado Giaquinto: Il Cielo e la Terra, exhibition catalogue, Bologna 2005, p. 103, reproduced.