Giovanni Battista Salvi, called Sassoferrato

D. Lorenzo Pellerano, Buenos Aires (from a label on the reverse);
Anonymous sale, Milan, Sotheby's, 29 November 2005, lot 179;
There purchased by the present owner.

Overall the picture is in quite favorable condition. A few scattered retouches have discolored over time and are now visible to the naked eye. These few are located in the cheek and neck of the virgin, as well as in the blue drapery. UV confirms these small retouches, and also shows some pin dot size retouches throughout. Picture could benefit from the removal of these older retouches and a careful examination, but overall the coloration is quite good, and the vast majority of original paint remains. In a carved, painted and partially gilded wooden frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The composition of the Madonna in Prayer is one of Sassoferrato's most celebrated and was repeated by him in numerous variations that differ primarily in the Madonna's drapery and headdress.  This particular variant is a bust length version of a half-length composition by Sassoferrato that is known from a drawing in the Royal Collection, Windsor Castle (inv. 6053) and two other half-length depictions in oil that have been on the market.¹

This painting is accompanied by a copy of a letter, dated 6 July 2006, from François Macé de Lépinay endorsing the attribution to Sassoferrato.

 

1.  See New York, Christie's, 31 January 1997, lot 197, reproduced and London, Christie's, 27 June 1975, lot 96, reproduced; another bust length version was sold, London, Sotheby's, 8 July 1999 lot 195, reproduced.