Giuseppe Maria Crespi

Anonymous sale ("Property of a Gentleman"), London, Sotheby's, 5 July 2007, lot 200;
There acquired by the present owner.

Both have been relined and slightly pressed, and the coarse weave of the original canvas is apparent in some areas of the surface. Overall the paintings read well. The figure with the turban shows some wear and thinness in his beard, while flesh tones are quite well preserved. The other figure has some thinness in the darks. Being sketches, these thinner areas were probably more thinly painted to begin with. Under UV: the figure with turban has small retouches scattered mostly in the background and in the darks of his drapery at left; the other figure has some scattered small retouches on face and in background, mostly concentrated on left side. Offered in carved and gilt rectangular wood frames
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

At the time of their sale in 2007 (see Provenance) Prof. Daniele Benati endorsed the attribution after firsthand inspection, suggesting a date of execution in the 1730s.