Workshop of Ridolfo Ghirlandaio

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 11 February 1949, lot 96 (as "Ghirlandaio");
With Colnaghi, London (as Ridolfo Ghirlandaio);
Private collection, Canada (by circa 1956);
Thence by descent.

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 is generally in very good condition. The canvas is lined with glue. The lining is mostly successful, although some of the old damages are slightly raised, for instance in the brown tree above the head of the kneeling saint on the right. It seems that this lining can remain with some adjustments. The painting has not been cleaned for some time and is visibly dirty. Retouches have discolored and are quite visible to the naked eye, although most of these are not visible under ultraviolet light. The only recent retouches appear to be a few small dots in the face of the Madonna; the other restorations are from an earlier date. Most of the restorations are minor. There has been no abrasion to the paint layer of any note, and even the profiles of the trees against the sky are very healthy. There is a large discolored restoration in the right elbow of the kneeling monk on the left side, which measures about 4 by 3 inches. There is another restoration in the tree above the kneeling saint on the left and one in the sky in the upper left. There are retouches around all four edges. There is probably some thinness in the darkest colors in some areas of the background, and beneath the crossed arms of the figures on the right side. It is recommended that the work be cleaned. If the existing retouches were removed and accurately re-applied, the work would look considerably better and be seen to be in excellent condition.
"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."

This delightful composition relates to Ridolfo's Ghirlandaio's Adoration in The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg,¹ and was likely executed by the artist's prolific workshop. 


1. Inv. no. ГЭ-89, oil on canvas (transferred from panel), 171 by 174 cm.