Studio of Valentin de Boulogne

Anonymous sale, Lucerne, Fischer, 29 June 1973, lot 541 (as Gerrit van Honthorst);
Private collection, Spain.

B. Nicolson, Caravaggism in Europe, Oxford 1979, vol. I, p. 200 (as a copy after Valentin);
B. Nicolson, The International Caravaggesque Movement, Oxford 1979, p. 104 (as a copy after Valentin);
M. Mojana, Valentin de Boulogne, Milan 1989, p. 223, no. 111 (as a copy after Valentin).

The catalogue illustration is representative. The unframed canvas has a fairly old relining which is till effective but which has not flattened the dirty paint surface which appears to the naked eye to be in good condition under the discoloured varnish. The craquelure is quite noticeable in areas, for example in the faces of the two figures furthest left and right. The canvas appears to have been extended by 6 cms along the upper and lower edges, and by 4 cm along the right edge. As visible in the illustration, a small loss of 2 by 1 cm is present upper right. Some of the darker tones have become a little sunken, for example lower left. Some small scattered old retouchings have discoloured. Inspection under UV light confirms the good condition as under the varnish just a few retouchings flouresce.
"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 period copy after Valentin's original in the National Gallery, London.