Domenico di Zanobi (the Master of the Johnson Nativity)

E. Bolton, London, 1927;
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's Parke Bernet, 5 June 1986, lot 8 (as Pseudo Pier Francesco Fiorentino);
Dr. Hilary Koprowski and Dr. Irena Koprowska;
By whom sold, New York, Sotheby's, 4 June 2015, lot 36 (as Central Italian school, 15th century).

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Domenico di Zanobi Madonna and Child See Sotheby's June 4th 2015 Sale lot 36 for cleaned and un-restored image. The original soft wood support has been thinned and laid down on to a later wooden support. The maroflaged panel has been cradled. The original support has several vertical splits of varying length with associated paint loss and has been subjected to worm infestation. The paint surface and panel splits are stable. As can be seen in the 2015 image the Madonna's blue mantle has been significantly compromised and paint loss has occurred. Further loss to the Child's forehead, feet and the Madonna's hands is also apparent. The gold ground has also been compromised. The restoration has been carried out expertly. The loss to the Madonna's blue mantle along with the gold decoration has been replaced, as has the loss to the Child's forehead and the Madonna's fingers. The background has been strengthened. The delicate flesh tones and glazes in the shadows have been skilfully strengthened and , in the most part , are in a good condition. The lower part of the Madonna's mantle and red dress are well preserved as is the Child's swaddling cloth . A very successful restoration and reconstruction project has been undertaken.
"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."

We are grateful to Dr Gaudenz Freuler for proposing the attribution of the present work to Domenico di Zanobi.