Giulio Raibolini, called Giulio Francia

The panel support has been thinned and braced with a wooden stretcher, and appears perfectly flat and stable. There is an old uneven vertical crack which runs down through the face of the Madonna and just to the right of the Christ Child. The painting has recently been cleaned and restored and is in good overall condition. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals slight retouchings along the crack and to the face of the Madonna. The area of curtain behind the Madonna's head and to the side of the Christ Child's head has been strengthened as have Saint Joseph's draperies lower right. The varnish remains clear and even and the painting should not require further attention. This lot is offered with a later gilt wood frame in good condition.
"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."

This is a very rare work by Giulio Francia, the youngest son of Francesco. Few paintings can be attributed exclusively to him since most of his extant works are collaborations with his brother Giacomo. Whilst Giacomo's style is very much an extension of his father's work, Giulio's hand can be distinguished by his cooler tonality and more elongated forms.

We are grateful to Dott. Emlio Negro and Dott.ssa Nicosetta Roio for endorsing the attribution on the basis of a photograph.