Metastasio, Pietro

about the portrait, presumably of himself, which he has sent to Count Bertolini in Pisa, thanking her effusively for her kind letter, and for informing him of its safe arrival, undamaged during its long journey from Vienna ("...Non avrei mai sperato che il noto ritratto potesse giungere illeso in Toscana, dopo un così lungo tragitto.  La Fortuna rispetta tutto quella che vi appartiene..."), reporting that the winter in Vienna has been very harsh, trailing its long snowy retinue throughout all quarters of the city ("...spiegato in queste contrade tutto il suo più magnifico treno..."), and asking for her to convey his best wishes to all her family,  2 pages, 4to (c.23 x 18.5cm), Honig paper, integral blank, annotated by the recipient on the verso ("...in Pisa il 29. do: Ris[pos[to] il 21 Febb[rai]o d[ett]o"), Vienna, 16 January 1777, trace of red seal, browning at folds, trace of mounting on the integral blank

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."

It is possible that Metastasio refers to the fine portrait, formerly attributed to Pompeo Batoni, which was painted in Vienna in the 1770s.