Mattia Preti

J.T. Spike, A Brush with Passion: Mattia Preti (1613-1699), Paintings from North American Collections in Honor of the 400th Anniversary of his Birth, Florence 2013, p. 74, cat. no. 16, reproduced (as dating to 1656).

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. Although this work has been restored, the varnish is uneven and could be addressed. There is a good deal of retouching throughout this work addressing weakness and loss that have occurred. There are numerous restorations in the face, chest and hands of the figure. The clothing also shows a lot of retouches. There is clearly significant damage to this work. Re-examining the restoration should be a matter for discussion, as the current retouching is not particularly accurate and could be applied in a more effective manner.
"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."