Follower of Giacomo Francesco Cipper, called Todeschini

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 27 May 1909, lot 165, for 3 guineas to Oppington (as Spagnoletto);
Private Collection, Sweden, until acquired by the present owner.

The Italian canvas has been relined. The paint surface is covered by a very dirty yellowed varnish. There is a missing flake of paint above the man's hand, and a 2 cm. vertical repaired loss in the fur of his collar. There are two very fine surface scratches lower right. There is frame abrasion along both the upper and lower margins. There is a 2 cm. repairs above the man's right shoulder, in the dark pigments. The paint surface is beginning to destabilise in small areas and the whole picture requires a new varnish to stabilise this. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows some small scattered retouchings in the sleeve and in his right hand, but het opaque varnish makes it very difficult to detect other areas of retouching.
"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."