Francesco de Mura

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 10 October 1991, lot 15 (as Attributed to Francesco de Mura);
There purchased by the present owner.

There is an old glue relining. slight pressing of the paint surface and areas of thinness. scattered old, discolored retouchings and surface scuffs can be seen here and there and give the surface a somewhat uneven appearance. despite all this, the overall image still reads well. examination under UV light reveals a large area of retouching at lower center, mostly in background area under figure of saint, but also in his lower drapery and over face and torso of putto lower center holding flaming heart. another large area of retouching in upper background above left arm of saint and at upper center. other small ones scattered.
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.

We are grateful to Nicola Spinosa for endorsing the attribution to de Mura, based on photographs.  He has identified it as a bozzetto for San Filippo in Glory, the final version of which is in the Chiesa dei Girolamini, Naples, and datable to circa 1730.