Gian Domenico Cerrini

The catalogue illustration is too contrasted and the painting is warmer in tone than it appears in reproduction. The canvas has an old relining. The paint surface is dirty and the varnish heavily discoloured. The painting would greatly benefit from cleaning and a sensitive restoration. The background appears rather sunk, especially around the figure of Joseph, but the Virgin and Child are solidly painted. Discoloured retouchings are visible on the Virgin's right cheek, her temple and her forehead, but she is otherwise well preserved. Crude restoration is visible on the veil on her left shoulder, on the white drapery near Christ's hip and underneath His outstretched leg. All the white drapery in the immediate foreground has been crudely overpainted and this overpaint is now lifting lower left. Further crude restoration is visible on Christ's right hip and tummy (4 by 6 cm.) and in an area running along most of His outstretched right arm. Under ultra-violet light these areas of restoration are more evident still, as well as further restorations in the background, mainly along peripheral areas; upper right, upper left, and centre left around the figure of Joseph. This lot is offered in a later gold and black painted wood frame, with superficial knocks but structurally 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 smaller version of the composition was sold Milan, Finarte, 26 March 2002, lot 491 (see F.F. Mancini, Gian Domenico Cerrini, exhibition catalogue, Perugia 2005-06, p. 261, no. 21, reproduced). Mancini also mentions a much smaller version, which he believes to be of the same composition, that is cited in a post-1672 inventory of the Barberini collection.