Attributed to Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

In the present family's ownership for four generations.

The catalogue illustration is representative. The old relining is still effective and the paint surface appears to the naked eye to be in good and sound condition under a thick and slightly yellowed varnish. The paint surface does appear a little presses and sunken in the browner tones. Inspection under UV lgiht reveals that the strengthenings present have been sympathetically applied. These flouresce along some of the craquelure and around the figures to add definition, for example around the head and arm of Mary, the right hand of Joseph and in the darker tones of his hair and in the background. The painting is offered in an elaborate carved and 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 painting's composition relates closely to Murillo's 'Sagrada Familia del Pajarito' in the Museo del Prado, Madrid.¹  The Prado painting is of much larger dimensions (144 by 188 cm.) and is a relatively early work, datable to 1650. The present canvas' small dimensions and more abbreviated brushwork would suggest that it is a boceto (sketch) or more likely a ricordo by the artist. There are minor differences; in the background, on the table behind Joseph, and in the basket lower left. Typical of Murillo is the depiction of a sacred subject as if it were a genre scene: Mary and Joseph wear contemporary dress and the absence of any haloes means their holiness is not apparent, nor is that of Christ who playfully taunts a dog with a small bird.

1. D. Angulo Iñiguez, Murillo. Catálogo Crítico, Madrid 1981, vol. II, pp. 175-76, cat. no. 193, reproduced in colour vol. I, plate 51.