Alessandro Turchi, called Orbetto

Mr. Henry Shaw;
By whom gifted to the present owner in April 1880.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work has not been restored in many years, and it will certainly brighten noticeably if cleaned. The original paint layer is in very healthy condition. Although there are broad and inaccurate restorations in the left arm of Saint John, in the right forearm of Christ, in his mother's chest and in other isolated spots in the background, there is no reason to be wary of cleaning this work. The lining is slightly uneven; it could probably be adjusted to be more presentable, but changing the lining would be beneficial. There is no question that restoration is required, but the condition of the painting is very good.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

This tender scene is typical of Alessandro Turchi's classicized style: the figures are bathed in a dramatic and bright light, casting deep shadows in the drapery, while the flesh is molded with a soft sfumato effect.  A second version of this painting, of larger dimensions, can be found in the Bob Jones University Museum, Greenville, South Carolina (inv. no. 126.1).¹  The Greenville version, however, varies slightly in the treatment of the background and includes a basket on the ledge, center left.  

1.  The Greenville canvas measures 54 by 45 5/8  in.; 137.2 by 115.9 cm.