Studio of Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Il Guercino

Houghton Hall, Norfolk;
Thence by descent to the previous owner, by whom gifted to the present owner.

The original is a little less dark than it appears in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has a firm relining that has somewhat flattened the surface. The paint surface is secure under a slightly discoloured varnish. Inspection under UV light reveals some very minor scattered retouchings. Offered in a stained and gilt wooden 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."

A reduced period replica, almost certainly executed in the artist's studio, after Guercino's painting from 1620 in the Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna, inv. no. 478 (see D. Stone, Guercino, catalogo completo, Florence 1991, p. 88, cat. no. 66).

A note on the Provenance:
This and the following two lots originally hung at Houghton Hall in Norfolk. Houghton was built in the 18th century in the Palladian style for the great art collector and first de facto British Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Walpole's collection of 421 paintings was housed at Houghton but duties meant that part of the collection was subsequently sold by his heirs to Catherine the Great of Russia.