Ecole Italienne du XVIIe siècle, suiveur d’Andrea del Sarto

A l’œil nu : Le tableau se présente dans un état de conservation relativement satisfaisant. Il est peint sur un panneau de bois tendre constitué de trois planches renforcées. On remarque des fentes verticales au niveau des jonctions des planches : l’une traversant Saint Joseph, la seconde la Vierge. Le tableau est sous un vernis sale qui a besoin d’être allégé. On remarque quelques petits manques, essentiellement dans la partie basse et quelques légères usures dans le ciel. A la lampe U. V. : Le tableau apparaît sous un vernis vert uniforme. On remarque quelques très légères reprises le long des fentes déjà signalées, quelques petits points dans la jambe de la Vierge. Bel état général. Belle matière. To the naked eye: The painting appear is in relatively satisfactory condition. It is painted in a tenderwood panel made by 3 reinforced planks. We notice some vertical cracks on the jonction planks : one across Saint Joseph the other one across the Virgin Maria. The painting appears under a dirty varnish that needs to be lightened. We notice some small losses, essentially on the lower side and some light wears in the sky. Under U. V. light: The paiting appears under a green uniform varnish. We notice some very light repaints along the cracks already mentioned and some dots of restoration on the Virgin’s leg. Beautiful condition and pictorial matter.
"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."

Notre tableau reprend, avec des variantes, ce qui semble être le testament artistique d’Andrea del Sarto (huile sur panneau, 138 x 104 cm. conservé au Palazzo Barberini à Rome).
L’artiste ajoute deux pommes au premier plan. (voir A. Natali et A. Cecchi, Andrea del Sarto. Catalogue complet, Paris, 1992, n° 60, reproduit en couleurs).