Attributed to Giovanni Ghisolfi

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is secure, bar a very small section of paint lower centre which appears to be lifting/tenting very slightly, and a fine, unobtrusive craquelure runs throughout. Four small damages are visible to the right hand side of the painting in raking light; an old restored tear which passes through the face of the woman in the right hand group, a second old restored vertical tear, approximately 8cm. in length, to the lower right of this, a small circular restored damage to the right hand column and a horizontal restored tear, approximately 6cm. in length in the trees above this. These are unobtrusive and not detrimental to the overall reading of the composition. The paint surface is under a thick, discoloured, slightly uneven varnish and this rather impedes a proper inspection of the painting under UV light. This does, however, confirm retouchings to the aforementioned damages and further reveals fairly extensive scattered spot retouchings and strengthenings, and some areas where the craquelure has been filled in. There are also retouchings along stretches of the painting's margins, which presumably attend to some old frame abrasion. This painting might benefit from a light surface clean. Offered in an ornate gilt wood and plaster frame in good 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."