Circle of Giovanni Battista Moroni

Private collection, Belfast, by 1964;

Thence by descent.

The picture is slightly darker in tone and he is more olive skinned than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been lined and the paint has been pressed and is thin in places such as the hand and beard however otherwise the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for some very minor losses at the bottom canvas edge hidden by the frame. There is some cosmetic scattered retouching and strengthening to the robe, hair and flesh tones of the face as can be seen under a raking light, and there is some minor retouching to old frame abrasion along the upper and lower canvas edges. There is a dirty varnish and some scattered surface dirt as well. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the aforementioned retouching and reveals some further retouching to the face, around the eye temple and forehead, costume and beard. The varnish makes it difficult to discern the extent of the retouching to the the ledge and background. Offered in a period Italian, carved gilt wood frame in good overall 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."