Lorenzo Sabatini

The painting is a little yellower than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has quite an old but still effective relining. The paint surface is under a yellowed glossy varnish. There are some areas of paint loss upper left, lower left and lower centre, and some further areas of abrasion, for example upper right. There has been quite substantial restoration to the painting in the past. Discoloured retouchings are present in the Madonna's hair and veil, her neck, and in her clothing (where two small vertical tears have been restored). Substantial areas of discoloured retouchings can also be found in the figures of the Christ and St John. There are further areas of repaint upper right. The painting would benefit from a clean and some further restorative work. Inspection under UV does not shed further light on the painting due to the glossy varnish. Offered in a wooden frame which has suffered some minor knocks in the past and which has some old inactive wormholes. ER*
"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."

Another version of this composition by Sabatini, with differences to the pose of the Christ Child and to the background, is in the Musée du Louvre, Paris (see J. Winkelmann, in Pittura bolognese del '500, vol. II, Bologna 1986, p. 608, reproduced p. 630).