After Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

The painting is a little less red than the catalogue reproduction suggests. The canvas has been recently relined. The paint surface is rather flat and appears worn and retouched in areas including the right foot, the torso, the white cloth centre left, St John's face and upper left. Areas of discoloured retouching are discernible scattered throughout, particularly in the youth's right hip and centre left. Overall to the naked eye the painting appears abraded but the restoration could be significantly improved when the painting is cleaned. Inspction under UV light confirms the aforementioned reotuchings and strengthenings and points to further restorative work, for example in the outlines of St John's body and elsewhere. Offered in a later wooden frame with some small losses but stucturally sound.
"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 Caravaggio's 1602 original, very similar dimensions, in the Musei Capitolini, Rome (inv. no. 239; see S. Schütze, Caravaggio, The Complete Works, Cologne 2009, p. 265, cat. no. 30, reproduced in colour on p. 130).