GIACOMO CERUTI | Still life with roasted chestnuts on a plate

Anonymous sale ('Property from a Spanish Private Collection'), London, Sotheby’s, 6 December 2007, lot 292, for £70,000 hammer;
Where acquired by the present owner.

The original canvas is lined and the paint layer is in a good condition. There is a moderately discoloured varnish. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a horizontal band of retouching approx. a quarter of the way down the canvas which runs the width of the canvas, as well as a vertical band 5 cm. long upper right. There are a handful of other scattered spot retouchings and the signature has been strengthened. The still life itself remains untouched. In overall very good condition. Offered in a carved and gilt wood 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."

When the work sold in 2007, Alessandro Morandotti endorsed the attribution to Giacomo Ceruti on the basis of photographs.