Luca Cambiaso

Possibly Bevignate Alessi, Perugia, by whom donated to the Capuchin church outside the Porta del Sole, where last recorded by Lione Pascoli in 1730 (see Literature).

Probably G.F. Morelli, Brevi notizie delle pitture e sculture che adornano l'augusta città di Perugia, 1683, p. 79;
Probably L. Pascoli, Vite de' pittori, scultori, ed architetti moderni, Rome 1730, vol. I, pp. 286-87;
Probably R. Soprani & C.G. Ratti, Vite de' pittori, scultori, e architetti genovesi di Rafaelle Soprani con note, e continuazioni, Genoa 1768, vol. I, p. 95, note a;
Probably B. Suida Manning & W. Suida, Luca Cambiaso. La Vita e le Opere, Milan 1958, p. 60 and pp. 144-45.

The canvas has an old lining which is stable. There is a u-shaped hole towards the lower right, and a series of four paint losses just below the very centre of the composition. The paint surface is rather dirty and the varnish somewhat opaque, rendering close inspection a little troublesome. However, the paint surface does appear to be pretty well preserved. There are two large areas where the varnish has shrunk, presumably on account of being too close to a fire or other heat source; these are in the lower centre and lower right. The painting will benefit from a surface clean and revarnishing.
"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.
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We are grateful to Jonathan Bober for endorsing the attribution to Cambiaso on the basis of photographs, and for suggesting that this is a late work by the artist, executed circa 1570.

A period copy of this composition was sold in these Rooms, 26 April 2007, lot 80.