Follower of Pietro Longhi

Private collection, Connecticut.

The Fortune Teller: oil on canvas, lined. The picture surface is flattened. Under UV light, there are dashes and dots of inpainting across the picture surface over a green fluorescing varnish. The outline of each figure as well as the face of each figure has been retouched, as have the right, left and top edges. The Apothecary: oil on canvas, lined. The picture surface is flattened. Under UV light, there are dashes and dots of inpainting across most of the picture surface. The majority of the religious figure at left's cloak has been retouched, as has the mantlepiece at upper center, the right edge, and the seated figure at right.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Apothecary is related to an autograph composition at the Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice.

The Fortune Teller is similar in composition to a work in the collection of Ca' Rezzonico, Venice. There are multiple variations on this theme, including works with more figures, though none exactly mirror the present lot.