Circle of Sebastiano Ricci

The canvas has a firm relining. The paint surface is secure under an old, dark, thick varnish. There are two lines in the paint surface which were probably old canvas folds, one horizontal running just under the top margin and the other vertical 41 cm in from the right margin. Inspection under UV light reveals numerous scattered retouchings throughout, most notably lower left in the figure group. Offered unframed.
"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."

Based on Ricci's original sold in these Rooms, 14 April 2011, lot 173 (for £52,000) and published in Annalisa Scarpa's monograph on the artist (see A. Scarpa, Sebastiano Ricci, Milan 2006, p. 248, cat. no. 295, reproduced p. 506, fig. 320). Another version of the composition, formerly given to Alessandro Magnasco, is in the Städtische Kunstsammlungen, Düsseldorf (inv. no. 768; see B. Geiger, Magnasco, Bergamo 1949, pp. 83-4, reproduced fig. 320).