Mario Nuzzi, called Mario de' Fiori

Private collection, Germany;
Sale, Stockholm, Bukowski, 24 November 1999, lot 439.

Biella, Chiostro  di San Sebastiano, Museo del Territorio Biellese, Fiori. Cinque secoli di pittura floreale at Biella, 21 March – 27 June 2004;
Tivoli, Villa d'Este, Flora romana. Fiori e cultura nell'arte di Mario de' Fiori (1603–1673), 26 May – 31 October 2010.

M. Epifani in Fiori. Cinque secoli di pittura floreale, exhibition catalogue, Biella 2004, pp. 203–04, no. 75, reproduced p. 224;
Y. Primarosa in Flora romana. Fiori e cultura nell'arte di Mario de' Fiori (1603–1673), exhibition catalogne, Rome 2010, p. 153, no. 25, reproduced fig. 25 with detail p. 39.

The canvas has a recent relining. This has resulted in a largely flattened surface, although there are some traces of good quality impasto remaining in some of the flowers. The paint surface is secure and generally clean. The colours remain strong. Few small scattered retouchings are visible at the centre left, upper left and upper centre edges. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a cloudy and uneven varnish and very few and very small scattered retouchings at the lower right and lower left, as well as a retouching measuring approximately 7 by 5 cm at the upper left. Overall the work is in good condition. The work is offered in a gilt molded frame in excellent condition.
"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."

The figures have been traditionally attributed to Filippo Lauri. The subject is taken from Tasso's Gerusalemme Liberata (7: 6 passim) and depicts the moment when the Saracen princess Erminia, on her search for her beloved Tancred, encounters a family of shepherds weaving baskets.