Giuseppe Valeriani

The canvas is unlined, the paint surface is secure with a discoloured varnish. The picture is in excellent original condition. There are no damages visible to the naked eye, and on inspection under ultraviolet light the varnish fluoresces very unevenly leaving areas that have been had that varnish removed to fluoresce more darkly. There appears to be very little restorative work, there are perhaps a couple of retouchings in the sky that are hard to make out because the varnish fluoresces opaque, but overall in very good 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."

This is a preparatory sketch for the frescoed ceiling of the Grand Hall in the Stroganov Palace, Saint Petersburg by Giuseppe Valeriani and Antonio Peresinotti (fig. 1). Valeriani worked in St Petersburg from 1742 until the end of his life in 1762. His style was characteristic of the late Baroque era; his decorative exuberance and illusionistic spatial effects defined his work as the principal decorator for the Russian court theatres, palaces and private homes. A preparatory pen and ink wash drawing by Valeriani is recorded in the Witt archive as in the collection of the Duc de Leuchtenberg.