Lot 533: JEAN BAPTISTE MOREL | The Madonna and child in a floral garland

oil on canvas

122 by 84 cm.; 48 by 33 in.

oil on canvas

The canvas has been relined. There is wear in the browns of the background, yellow of the flowers, and in the blue of the Virgin's mantle. There is some discoloured retouching to the aforementioned worn browns I nth background, and to the blue surrounding the central cartouche. inspection under ultraviolet light shows an uneven varnish. There is retouching to the background, most dense in the upper centre and the lower left corner. There is minor infilling of craquelure in the flower still life. There is repainting and a subtle seam around the contour of the cartouche, suggesting that this central part was painted separately by a different hand, and later inserted to the still life surround. there is some very delicate retouching in the flesh tones and drapery of Virgin and Child, and some spot retouchings in the background of the cartouche. This lot is offered in a modern frame, with gold sight edge and faux tortoiseshell inner band, 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."

Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Christie's, 2 May 1991, lot 23 (as 'Attributed to Francesco Lavagna') for 27,600 guilders; 
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Christie's, 7 May 1997, lot 79 for 19,604 guilders (as Attributed to Morel).