Lot 139: Michele Tosini, called Michele de Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio (Florence 1503-1577)

The Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist
with inventory number '3766 no. 5 D. 30' (on the reverse of the frame)
oil on panel
34 3/8 x 28 in. (87.3 x 71.1 cm.)

Tosini studied with Lorenzo di Credi and Ridolfo Ghirlandaio with whom he frequently collaborated and whose name he eventually adopted. His early output was strongly indebted to the work of Andrea del Sarto whose influence can be felt in the present work. After 1556 Tosini
worked with Giorgio Vasari on the fresco decoration of the Salone dei Cinquecento in the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence. He executed several important commissions towards the end of his career including the fresco decoration of the city gates of Florence.

Tosini produced several versions of his more successful Madonnas and this composition recurs, albeit with significant differences in the detail, in the pictures sold in these Rooms, 11 December 1992, lot 3; and another at Christie's, Rome, 18 June 2003, lot 444.

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.