Florentine School, 16th Century

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 work has been restored, and the condition is very respectable for a work of this period. Some very fine cracking in the shadowed side of the face and neck has received retouches. One could re-examine these retouches to refine the subtle variance of color, but the other retouches are quite good. In the upper left, there is an old break in the panel which is quite visible despite being restored, but this is due to warping in the panel. There is another crack in the lower left which is also distorted, and a crack in the upper center of about 2 ½ inches. In the upper right, there is an old knot in the wood which is also distorted. The rest of the panel is stable. There are isolated retouches in the red coat, with a slightly larger one in the middle of the chest. There are some slightly broader retouches in the black sleeves, which probably could be applied more diligently. The background is generally healthy, as are the sunlit areas of the face. The work can be hung as is, or the restoration could be re-examined to good effect.
"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."

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