The following condition report has been provided by Karen Thomas of Thomas Art Conservation LLC., 336 West 37th Street, Suite 830, New York, NY 10018, 212-564-4024, info@thomasartconservation.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This picture is in sound condition overall, with no need for intervention. The painting appears to have undergone more than one campaign of restoration, not all of which is immediately obvious under ultraviolet illumination due to the fluorescence of the varnish layers. Retouching addresses losses scattered throughout the picture including much of the Virgin Mary's mantle, and reinforces contours and shading. Wear in the gold ground has been integrated with retouching to match the red-orange bole originally used to adhere the gold leaf. The vertically grained panel displays a moderate lateral convex warp. A spring strainer secondary support — a far superior replacement for an earlier cradle — has been attached to the reverse for stabilization and handling. This painting may be displayed in its current state.
"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."