Mattia Preti

The painting is warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has a good relining that has not overly flattened the paint surface and is offered in a modern wooden frame with minor chips. The paint surface is dirty but sound with some very minor paint losses. Under the thick discoloured varnish some scattered retouchings fluoresce. An old area of restoration 5 by 5 cm. can be seen in the thorns on Christ's head. Overall the impasto has been well preserved and the painting would benefit from a clean.
"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 Professor Nicola Spinosa for endorsing the attribution on the basis of photographs. He suggests a date of execution around 1670.