Circle of Guido Reni

Canvas has a coarse old relining. There a few scattered losses to paint surface which go down to the canvas weave underneath the nose, to the right of the book in the red robe, and some smaller scattered losses in upper left background and in the robe at left. Picture has a thick discolored varnish which has rendered older retouches mostly invisible when viewed under UV. A new fake signature is plainly visible as new paint under UV. Some broader retouches are visible to naked eye, and probably reside under the varnish. A clean, and attention to losses is recommended. Older retouches may appear when the picture is cleaned, but a more sensitive application of these is recommended. Unframed
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.

This Saint follows a composition by Guido Reni, published by Stephen Pepper in the Italian edition of his monograph on the artist.¹  Pepper dates that canvas, now in a private English collection, to 1626-1627 and mentions two other known copies.  The present painting varies slightly from the original in the positioning of the hand on the book, here with the forefinger outstretched, and in the length of the beard.

1.  D.S. Pepper, Guido Reni, L'Opera Completa, Novara 1988, p. 335, cat. no. 26, VIII.