Giovanni Andrea Sirani

John Rushout, Baron Northwick (1770-1859), Thirlestane House;
His deceased sale, London, 26 July 1859, lot 1680 (purportedly for 75 gns. but where presumably unsold);
By descent to Capt. E.G. Spencer-Churchill, Northwick Park;
His deceased sale, London, Christie's, 29 October 1965, lot 44 (as Guido Reni);
Baroni collection, Florence;
Acquired by the parents of the present owners in 1996.

Worcestershire Exhibition, Worcester, 1882.

Catalogue of the Collection of Pictures at Thirlestane House, London 1864, no. 56 (?);
T. Borenius, Catalogue of the Collection of Pictures at Northwick Park, London 1921, no. 42 (as Guido Reni);
C. Garboli, L'opera completa di Guido Reni, Milan 1971, no. 198(1), reproduced p. 112 (as a copy).

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is secure and generally in good condition under a glossy, somewhat yellowed varnish. The lighter areas of the figure and particular the white drapery is well preserved with passages of remaining impasto. The darker areas of the background are much thinner but this is how the canvas was originally painted rather than the result of wear. Some old scattered retouchings are just visible to the naked eye in the background but these do not fluoresce under UV light on account of the aforementioned varnish. Scattered, more recent, minor retouching and strengthenings are visible under UV light in the drapery and figure and there is some more significant retouching work in the lower right corner, along the bottom margin and in the cushion. There is also an area of restored damage in her right forearm and some retouching beyond this in the immediately surrounding background. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster 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."

We are grateful to Prof. Emilio Negro for endorsing the attribution to Giovanni Andrea Sirani on the basis of photographs.