FLORENTINE SCHOOL, LATE 16TH CENTURY | An allegorical portrait of Dante, bust length

oil on panel, unframed

The panel consists of two boards with a vertical join. The panel has a slight vertical bow, though it has a horizontal brace for support on the back. The image reads well and presents a handsome portrait. Two pin dot of loss, that are barely noticeable, are on the left edge, one at center, the other a little higher. On the aforementioned join, there appears to be some refilling of what could have possibly been old loss. This also fluoresces under the inspection of UV light. Other very minor and finely applied retouches are scattered on sitter's face, hat, and robe. The panel is offered unframed, but can otherwise hang in its present condition.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

This painting is a detail of an original composition by Bronzino in a private collection, Florence (fig. 1).¹

1. C. Falciani & A. Natali, 'Bronzino', Florence 2010, reproduced p. 207.