The following condition report has been provided by Karen Thomas of Thomas Art Conservation LLC., 119 West 23rd Street, Suite 400, New York, NY 10011, 212-564-4024, info@thomasartconservation.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.

This cassone panel is in very good condition, particularly in light of its age and utilitarian origin. Small retouches found across the panel primarily focus on scratches and small losses that reflect the panel's life as a part of a piece of furniture. Restoration throughout the off-white floor addresses the appearance of wood grain through the paint due to increased transparency that has developed in the paint through a normal aging mechanism. A few of the letters of the inscriptions across the top have been obscured, but it is largely intact. Select contours have been reinforced, particularly to improve legibility of the faces. Some of the retouching has begun to shift in tone but not distractingly so. A horizontal crack in the paint, with associated small flake losses, runs about 4 inches from the top, left of center. The varnish is evenly glossy and mildly discolored.

The horizontally grained wood panel support is structurally sound and appears to retain its original thickness. An old repair visible on the reverse corresponds to the aforementioned crack visible in the paint layers. The panel displays a mild convex vertical warp.

The panel may be hung in its current condition, although consolidation to prevent further losses along the crack is advisable.

"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.

NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."