Giovanni Domenico Lombardi

The canvas is unlined and a little bit loose in places. There is an old horizontal canvas join running across the painting through the figures' heads. The paint surface is somewhat abraded in the darks and the red ground is beginning to show through, but in other areas such as her white sleeve and floral hair piece the original impasto is thick. Inspection under UV light reveals old retouching work in the abraded darks and some minor scattered retouchings elsewhere. Offered in a gilt wood frame, structurally sound with some knocks.
"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."

Lombardi treated this subject on several further occasions: most notable amongst these in relation to the present lot is the canvas in the Fondazione della Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca which lacks the pickpocket to the left but which arranges the other three characters in an almost identical vein; the rightmost figure, for example, makes the same hand gesture, while the fortune teller sits a little more upright and the rich young lady leans further to her left.

The attribution to Lombardi has been endorsed by both Dott. Francesco Porzio and Dott.ssa Mina Gregori.