Roman School, Late 17th Century

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 21 January 2004, lot 103;
There acquired by the family of the late collector.

The canvas is lined. A striking image reads well underneath a varnish and some of the hues remain very vibrant on the foreground like for example with the blue robes. Faint abrasions are on edges, though these are not distracting. There is a small scratch with minor paint loss at the bottom right corner. What seem to be some old scattered repairs are at the right in the upper quadrant and at bottom center. A horizontal line runs across the top of the canvas, and slightly fluoresces under UV light. Further reading shows scattered, small spots of retouching to foreground, like for example on the ground, the arm and forehead of the angel at bottom right, the torso of Christ, and the clouds between the Virgin and man wearing the headdress among others. The lower two angels's heads floating on the clouds seem to have some scattered spots of retouching, as well as the three larger angels on top. The background sky appears to have some spots here and there, with a concentrated area in the darker colors. Canvas is offered unframed.
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.