Ferrarese School, 16th century

The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: The canvas is lined. There is a tear above the centre of the lower edge. There is an uneven and discoloured and degraded varnish layer. There are scattered paint losses and abrasions. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows scattered retouchings.
"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."

A to scale copy after Battista Dossi's Allegory of Night in the Gemäldegalerie, Dresden.¹ Dossi's painting is one of a set of four; Dusk and Dawn are also in Dresden, whilst the fourth, the Allegory of Day, is lost.

1. A. Mezzetti, Il Dosso e Battista Ferraresi, Milan 1965, p. 81, cat. no. 40, reproduced fig. 82b.