SCHOOL OF THE VENETO, END OF THE 15TH CENTURY | Madonna and Child

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 18 December 1946, lot 80, for £72 (as Fra Antonio da Negroponte);
Where acquired by Friedrich Von Hayek, the grandfather of the present owners.

The panel is cradled, flat and stable. The paint surface is quite dirty and the varnish is discoloured. There are two vertical splits, each measuring approx. 10 cm. long, running up from the lower margin, just left of centre and 5 cm. from the right-hand margin. Some small areas of the paint surface have become raised, but appear stable - in the upper portion of the Madonna's torso and in the background to her left, for instance. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an extensive campaign of restoration, comprising fine lines and spots of retouching throughout, most notably along the lower left margin, in the right-hand side of the Madonna's halo and background beside it, the bridge of her nose, her proper left hand, and in the Christ Child's halo, cheek and right arm. In overall fair condition.
"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."

Von Hayek won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1974 and is best known today for his book The Road to Serfdom.