Neapolitan School, 17th Century

Inherited by the present owner from his grandfather.

The colours in the catalogue illustration are generally faithful to the picture, though the Madonna's red robe and blue drapery are somewhat warmer in real life. The painting is in nice original condition and has clearly not been cleaned or restored for some t.mes . The varnish layer has discoloured and the canvas appears to have a very old lining (or may even be the original canvas). The paint was solidly applied and the surface has not suffered from wear: the impasto is well preserved on, for example, the Madonna's temple and the carved putto on the crib lower left. The darker areas also appear not to have sunk. The painting displays a tendency to flake - and would appear to have a history of flaking - in certain areas, though these principally affect peripheral areas. Flaking has been retouched in the sky upper left, on the column above and to the right of the Madonna's head (some of which have been filled in whilst others remain untouched). The largest visible loss is on Christ's jaw (2 by 2 cm.) and another beside it, closer to His ear. Retouchings are visible along the edges, particularly upper left and along the lower edge. A number of localised scattered retouchings are visible under ultra-violet light, some of which occur on Christ's legs and further strengthenings are discernible in the darks on His head. The yellow drapery lower centre has been retouched in areas. The painting will greatly improve with cleaning and a sensitive restoration. The canvas may have to be lined to stabilise the flaking. This lot is offered in a substantial gilt wood frame, apparently later in date, with a number of superficial losses and damages but structurally sound.
"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 stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes '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."

Formerly attributed to Van Dyck. We are grateful to Prof. Nicola Spinosa for suggesting an attribution to Giovanni Francesco da Rosa, called Pacecco da Rosa (1607-1656) . He suggests a possible dating to around 1640. An alternative attribution to Giovanni Ricca, also active in Naples in the 1630s and 1640s, has also been suggested.