Follower of Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, called Parmigianino

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby’s, 8 December 2011, lot 113, when acquired by the present owner.

The poplar panel is uncradled and flat, and has a narrow rebate on all four sides. The picture has recently been cleaned and restored and is in good overall condition. There has been some strengthening in much of the background, notably beneath the Madonna's arm and in the upper left corner, but the figures themselves are very well preserved. The only minor interventions are to a small series of losses in the braid of the Madonna's hair, some pinpoint losses on the forehead of the Christ Child and a 1cm repaired scratch on His hand. The varnish remains clear and even and the painting should not require any further attention. This lot is offered in a plain black wood frame with a gilt bronze foliate sight edge.
"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 composition derives from an oval chiaroscuro woodcut by Antonio da Trento after a design by Parmigianino (see A. E. Popham, Catalogue of the Drawings of Parmigianino, vol. I, New Haven and London 1971, reproduced fig. 20).