Bernardo Strozzi

Genova, Montarsolo Antichità.

The catalogue is slightly warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas is relined and offered in a beautiful carved and gilt wood frame with minor knocks. To the naked eye the paint surface appears somewhat flat but secure and under a thick and yellowed varnish. The background and darker tones appear to have been abraded in the past and subsequently retouched, but the colours are otherwise well preserved, with the pentimenti of the saint's hands beautifully visible. The thick glossy varnish does not allow a fully satisfactory analysis under UV light, though some retouchings do flouresce, for example in the cheek of the angel and elsewhere. Removal of the old varnish and application of a new one would greatly improve the overall tonality of the work.
"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."