Scuola Caravaggesca , secolo XVII

The painting is less yellow in tone, darker and deeper in colour than the catalogue illustration. The canvas has an old relining which has lost some of its bounce but is still effective. Despite the relining, the paint surface retains its impasto and displays very fresh and well preserved brushstrokes. With the naked eye a small tear of around 3 by 5 cm to the face of the saint upper right. This small tear occurred after the relining as it goes through the back of the canvas and a small patch has been secured to the reverse. There is another small damage of 3 by 3 cm to the left of Christ's elbow. The paint surface is dirty but is otherwise in good condition. Under the discoloured varnish two areas of sunken paint can be seen; the first is in the cloak of the saint far right, mostly concentrated in the lower part of his tunic; the second is in the darker tones of Christ's white tunic. Other than these sunken tones the paint surface is very fresh and the fleshtones, hair/beard and hands, and the drapery, especially Thomas' red folds which dominate the composition, are well preserved and in good original condition. There are some small scuffs scattered here and there, for example lower right in the red mantle, and some old frame abrasion along the edges. Inspection under UV light reveals very few scattered retouchings under the varnish, some of which have discoloured a little, and that the painting is otherwise in good original condition. Offered in a later carved frame with some losses.
"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."