Gaspare Lopez, called Gasparo dei Fiori

Both canvases are unlined. Both paintings have recently been cleaned and restored. The paint surface of both is generally in very good order. There is one old seam or join in the upper canvas, running across at the level of the water spout, and two on the lower canvas, in the midst of the upper blooms and at the level of the straw hat. Inspection under ultra violet reveals a certain number of old repaired tears and damages, though none of a very serious nature. The largest of these is to an old fold or extension running across roughly 15 cm from the bottom edge of the lower painting. The same canvas has two old diagonal repaired tears of ca 25 and 30 cms in the upper left hand corner, and a series of scattered retouchings to the old stretcher lines, the upper background on both sides and to the lower extension. There are in addition a number of repaired losses or holes clustered in the area of the base of the plinth and two more to the left of these, the largest some 4 x 2 cm. The upper painting has old repairs along the stretcher lines on both flanks, an old diagonal repaired tear in the upper left corner, a large vertical 205 cm F-shaped tear in the left centre,and scattered retouchings to much of the top and bottom margins. There is a very small puncture in the canvas upper centre. The restoration has been well carried out and is invisible to the naked eye. The varnish is clear and even and the paintings should not require any further attention. Both pictures are offered in modern gilt wood frames in excellent 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."

The attribution has been endorsed by Prof. Riccardo Lattuada, a copy of whose expertise accompanies the present lot.