Lot 154: LIBERALE DA VERONA | Madonna and Child, before a green curtain with an open book

oil on panel

76 x 49.5 cm

oil on panel

The panel has been cradled and appears flat and stable. An old 15 cm vertical repaired crack runs from the upper edge to the top of the Madonna's veil. The painting is now dirty and the varnish discoloured. The paint surface is in good overall condition, but has become worn in some of the flesh tones and details such as the Madonna's veil. The opaque varnish layer makes assessment under ultra-violet light difficult, but this reveals retouchings to the Madonna's sleeves, and to areas of her robe and hair. There has been minimal intervention in the flesh tones. There is a repaired 5 cm vertical split (?) running up from the centre of the lower edge. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame in very 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."

B. Berenson, North Italian painters of the Renaissance, New York and London, 1907, p. 245;
C. del Bravo, Liberale da Verona, Florence 1967, p. 308, cat. no. 164, reproduced plate CLXXVIII;
B. Berenson, Italian pictures of the Renaissance. Central Italian and North Italian schools, revised edition, vol. I, London 1968, p. 210;
H.-J. Eberhardt, in S. Marinelli and P. Marini (ed.), Mantegna e le Arti a Verona. 1450–1500, exhibition catalogue, Verona, Palazzo della Gran Guardia, 2006, p. 281, under cat. no. 53.

Signor Ridolfo Morgaro, Turin;
Signor Saiago, Milan;
Dr. Gustavo Frizzoni (1840–1919), Milan;
Henry Doetsch (1839–94), 7 New Burlington Street, London;
His deceased sale, London, Christie's, 22 June 1895, lot 74, for 3 guineas, to Charles;
With Galería Rembrandt, Madrid, 1977, where acquired by the father of the present owner.