Follower of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

The canvas has been relined. This has not overly flattened the paint surface, which is rather dirty. The paint surface is flaking centre left, lower left and lower right (just above the sheep's head). A fine craquelure is running throughout. Two old restored damages can be made out to the left hand sheep, two upper left and one upper right, around the periphery of the painting. Inspection under UV light is impeded by the old varnish but does confirm retouchings to these areas and fairly extensive scattered retouchings elsewhere in the background. The shepherd and the sheep seem to remain (apart from the aforementioned damages and scattered spot retouchings) largely untouched. Offered in an ornate gilt wood and plaster frame with some knocks and discoloured retouchings/adhesive to the corner joins.
"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 period copy after Murillo's original listed as in the Lane Collection (see D.A. Iñiguez, Murillo, vol. II, Madrid, 1981, pp. 187-189, cat. no. 204, reproduced vol. III, plate 187).