Attributed to Angelo Caroselli

The image in the printed catalogue is too orange in tone. There is an old glue relining. Painting is under an old, dirty varnish. The paint surface in the figures of the Virgin and Child is mostly well preserved and there is very nice detail. Some old losses can be seen in the Virgin's red dress on sleeve, chest and at waist. The background areas, particularly the darks of the curtain upper right, and along the ledge at bottom show abrasion. There are some small paint losses along the extreme top and bottom edges. Under UV light: it is difficult to see through the old varnish. A few small retouches that are on top of the old varnish can be seen in sky upper right, in the Virgin's blue drapery lower left, on thigh and stomach of Christ, and on shoulder of Joseph. This painting has not been attended to in a long time and would benefit from sensitive restoration. Offered in a gilt wood frame.
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.

The composition of the Holy Family is similar in style to other works by Angelo Caroselli. The facial type of the Virgin is remarkably consistent with Caroselli’s Madonna and Child with Saint Anne (Art Market, London).¹ They both present the same soft features in profile, such as the eyes gently looking downwards and the slimmed, round nose. Along with the depiction of the Madonna, the representation of the child also resembles that of other works by the artist like the tondo that is in the collezione Banca Nazionale del Lavoro Gruppo BNP Paribas, Rome (inv. no. 09648).² Both works show the child in an endearing gesture as he subtly reaches towards the Madonna's face. While the present painting has the child caressing her cheek, the tondo has the child curiously touching her veil. 1. See M. Rossetti, Angelo Caroselli (1585-1652), pittore romano: copista, pasticheur, restauratore, conoscitore, Rome 2015, reproduced p. 460, cat. no. 9.

2. See M. Rossetti, Angelo Caroselli (1585-1652), pittore romano: copista, pasticheur, restauratore, conoscitore, Rome 2015, reproduced p. 66, fig. 8, p. 459, cat. no. 8.