Attribuito a Giuseppe Cesari, detto Cavalier d'Arpino

The colours in the catalogue are representative of those in the painting. The oval is mounted in a marble pass-par-tout and is offered in a plain gilt and painted XVII Century-style frame. To the naked eye no major restoration can be seen; only three cracks, due to old breaks, are slightly visible. The marble passe-par-tout does not allow to verify the verso of the painting. The thick varnish layer impedes clear inspection under ultra-violet light.
"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."

Il dipinto riprende l'affresco raffigurante Adamo ed Eva che Giuseppe Cesari realizzò nel 1602 su incarico del cardinale Pietro Aldobrandini per la Villa del Belvedere a Frascati. L'opera è da considerarsi contemporanea a tale ciclo decorativo ed è da assegnare alla bottega o al pittore stesso, che era solito riprendere i suoi temi più piacevoli in piccoli dipinti realizzati su lapislazzuli e altri materiali preziosi. Come per il Perseo e Andromeda venduto da Christie's a New York (Christie's New York, 27 gennaio 2000, lotto 73, $ 387.500), che appare il confronto più stringente per dimensioni e supporto, l'atmosfera di delicata sensualità ne rivela la destinazione al più raffinato collezionismo privato.