Circle of Girolamo da Carpi

The painting is considerably less yellow than the catalogue illustration. The support consists of three vertical panels. Three sets of dovetails have been inlaid to the reverse of the panel. A wood and metal cradling has been applied to the reverse. The central crack is visible to the naked eye because several losses to the paint surface have occured, as visible in the catalogue illustration. Under the yellowed varnish, discoloured retouchings can be made out in the background upper left, in the Madonna's face, hand and green sleeve, in the Child's shoulder and legs and along the panel join to the right. The paint surface appears quite thin in certain areas, for example in the Madonna's forehead and her green sleeve. Better preserved and fresher in their brushstrokes is the hair of the three figures. Inspection under UV light confirms the aforementioned retouchings and points to further retouchings scattered in the Madonna's face, in the Child's torso, arm, legs and foot, in the white cloth and scattered elsewhere. Joseph's face and hands are better preserved. The painting would greatly benefit from the removal of the present varnish and a clean. Offered in a modern wooden frame in fair condition.
"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."