- 202
Circle of Cristofano Allori
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Cristofano Allori
- Judith with the head of Holofernes
- oil on canvas, unframed
Condition
The colours are more concentrated in the flesh than in the image reproduced in the printed catalogue. This large canvas has an old but effective relining, and has been recently cleaned and restored. The varnish is clear and even, with no major damage visible to the naked eye. There is a degree of wear in the blue of Judith's cloak and in her hair, and fine craquelure visible throughout. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals scattered retouchings throughout, mainly focused in the hair of Judith, in the hair of Holofernes and in the area around the extended hand of Judith. The retouchings in the darker tones of the painting seem mainly focused on minimilising the effect of the distinctive craquelure.
Under ultra violet there are also a few old restored tears, measuring no more than 4 cm in length in the dark area of the lower body of the attendant and one in the gold fabric over Judith's collar-bone.
This lot is offered 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. 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A period copy after Cristofano Allori's celebrated composition, known in several variants, of which the prototype is most likely the work in the Pitti in Florence.
1. See M.L. Chappell, Cristofano Allori, 1577-1621, exhibition catalogue, Florence 1984, pp. 78-81, cat. no. 25, reproduced.