Federico Barocci
Saint Joseph, a head study for the Visitation Altarpiece
Federico Barocci
Urbino circa 1526 - 1612
Saint Joseph, a head study for the Visitation Altarpiece
black, white, red, and ocher oil paint, over black and red chalk on paper
14 ⅝ by 10 ⅜ in.; 37 by 26.3 cm.
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 on paper is in very good condition. The sheet of paper is window mounted onto japan paper, which has subsequently been laid down to a modern acid-free card backing. This backing has in turn been wrapped onto a modern board backing. With exception of a small proportion of the four edges, the sheet itself remains entirely free.
There is a very small repair to the lower right corner. There are small pin holes at the three other corners that have not been repaired. There is a visible crease running diagonally along the left side, immediately to the left of the ear. There is a thin line of retouching across the upper right corner, possibly addressing another crease. There is a small loss of about half an inch by half an inch on the lower left edge. There are no retouches in the head of the figure, or in the red cloak on the right and upper left. The work can be hung in its current state.
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."
With Hazlitt Godden & Fox;
From whom acquired, 2004.
M. Di Giampaolo, “Federico Barocci: sulla ‘Visitazione'” in Prospettiva, no. 129, January 2008, pp. 93-96, reproduced p. 95;
D. Prytz, "Two unpublished oil studies by Federico Barocci in the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm," in The Burlington Magazine, vol. 153, no. 1303, October 2011, p. 654, note. 10;
J. Mann and B. Bohn, Federico Barocci, Renaissance Master of Color and Line, New Haven and London 2012, exhibition catalogue, p. 208, cat. no. 10.10, reproduced;
A. Lambirth, "Master of Process," in The Spectator, 16 March 2013, p. 49;
D. Scrase, "Barocci: Saint Louis and London, Review," in The Burlington Magazine, vol. 155, no. 1323, June 2013, p. 425, reproduced fig. 74;
B. Bohn, "Though this be Madness, yet there is Method in it: Barocci's Design Process," in Federico Barocci: Inspiration and Innovation in Early Modern Italy, London 2017, pp. 100-101, reproduced fig. 6.13.
Saint Louis, Saint Louis Art Museum; London, National Gallery of Art, Federico Barocci: Renaissance Master of Color and Line, 21 October 2012 – 19 May 2013, no. 10.10.