Lot 13: ALESSO DI BENOZZO ('MAESTRO ESIGUO') | Madonna and Child before a cloth-of-honour held aloft by two angels

tempera on panel, unframed

34 by 24.6 cm.

tempera on panel, unframed

The panel is uncradled and stable, with a very faint convex bow. There is an old 5cm crack with some minor associated losses running down from the upper edge into the Madonna's head. The painting is now dirty and its varnish layer discoloured. The opaque varnish layer impedes any assessment under ultra-violet light, but the paint surface appears to be in beautiful condition, with no signs of wear and all original details intact. Although some degree of old repair should be allowed for beneath the old varnish, this seems to be confined to a speckling of old spot retouching across the faces and becks of both Madonna and Child and again to the drapes of the latter, and the picture should respond very well indeed to cleaning. This lot is offered unframed.
"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."

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 23 November 1962, lot 113 (as Bartolommeo Caporali), for 1,600 guineas to Braswell;
Anonymous sale, Rome, Finarte Casa d'Aste, 2 December 1974, lot 78 (as School of Benozzo Gozzoli), for ITL 13m.