CARLO PORTELLI DA LORO | The Madonna and Child with the infant Saint John the Baptist

The panel is formed of two vertical planks supported by two horizontal battens on the reverse, and is very slightly bowed. The paint surface is slightly dirty but the varnish appears clear. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouchings throughout the figures' faces and flesh tones, largely to reduce the appearance of craquelure. There are also retouchings visible in the Madonna's purple robe, to a larger area of damage in the lower part of her red dress, measuring approx. 2 x 4 cm., to a small rectangular area in the centre of the lower margin beneath the Christ child's foot, and scattered in the background. There is also a fine line of retouching to what appears to be an old surface crack running vertically from the upper margin approx. 18 cm. from the left-hand margin down to the Madonna's elbow. In overall good condition. Offered in a painted and gilt wood and plaster frame in good 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."

This composition, particularly the motif of the Virgin reading with the Child asleep, his head resting on his fist, features in several works by Portelli, each differing in details in the background, or in the palette. The present work most closely relates to a panel in the Musée Municipal Paul Dini, Villefranche-sur-Saône.¹ The Villefranche-sur-Saône painting is dated to 1535–40, and like the present work also features the green fabric background tied at the upper right and left corners with coloured cords. 1 92 x 71.5 cm.; inv. no. 1975.47; see L. Brunori and A. Cecchi, Carlo Portelli, Pittore eccentrico tra Rosso Fiorentino e Vasari, exh. cat., Florence 2015, p. 140–45, cat. no. 18, reproduced p. 141.