Polidoro de Renzi, called Polidoro da Lanciano

F.E. Robinson, Summit, New Jersey.

R. Echols, "Giovanni Galizzi and the Problem of the Young Tintoretto", in Artibus et Historiae, vol. 16, no. 31, 1995, p. 84, reproduced, fig. 14 (as Polidoro Lanzani (with assistant?)).

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 oil on canvas appears to have a very old glue lining. On top of this lining are three later patches adhered with wax. There is one in the center that addresses a break in the top and to the right of Saint John's head, one in the left forearm of the figure on the left, and one in the waist of the same figure on the left. However, the condition of the paint outside of these isolated damages is extremely good. The condition is clearly very fresh in the faces, figures, fabric and landscape. In the sky above the head of the figure on the left, there is some broad and rather aimless restoration. There is presumably an area beneath this restoration that was thought not to be attractive, but there is no apparent reason to believe that it is damaged. There are small structural damages in the feet of Christ in the lower right, and another in the blanket on the Madonna's knees. The old lining should probably be changed, and the painting should be cleaned and retouched accurately. The condition would then be seen and understood to be extremely 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."