Lot 28: DOMENICO BECCAFUMI | The Holy Family

oil on poplar panel

75.5 by 57.3 cm.; 29 3/4  by 22 5/8  in.

oil on poplar panel

The following condition report is provided by Sarah Walden who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Domenico Beccafumi. The Holy Family. This painting is on a thick poplar panel in one piece. There has been slight movement in the past, although without major cracks through the wood, mainly down the centre left area, for example in the upper drapery above the Child and just on the left of the Madonna's head. Some past cracks ran down through the arms and legs of the Child, with other narrow cracks on the right side of the panel, including in the distant landscape through the window. Although a cradle seems to have been added midway through the last century, the panel had evidently stabilised itself well before that. The cradle seems to have been superfluous, but harmless, in this case. A recent restoration has consolidated any past cracks and there is no trace of any recent movement at all. At the same period as the addition of the cradle there was also quite widespread overpainting (which has now been removed), covering much fine intact original. The painting now has a natural resin varnish and past cracks with traces of past disturbances of the surface have been touched out and are visible under ultra violet light. There are many pentimenti throughout the painting, for instance in the head of the Madonna, in her fingers which can be seen through the book she is holding, in many flickering changes throughout the Child down to His smallest fingers and toes as well as the expressiveness of His face and body. The drapery also in shape and colour shows various underlying changes as does the figure of sleeping Joseph.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Believed to have been acquired in the mid-nineteenth century;
Thence by descent to the aunt of the present owner.