Lot 19: GIOVANNI DE' BUSI, CALLED CARIANI | Christ Carrying the Cross

oil on canvas

59 by 69 cm.; 22 1/4  by 27 1/8  in.

oil on canvas

The following condition report is provided by Sarah Walden who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Giovanni de Busi, Cariani. Christ carrying the Cross. This painting has a comparatively recent lining, perhaps from the mid 20th century, with a stretcher of that period, however there has been no cleaning or disturbance of accumulated old varnishes for a century or two. There is a horizontal seam crossing by the shoulders and possibly other little brief horizontal creases in the upper right background, with another short horizontal tear or scratch above the seam in the left background. The head appears to be in good intact condition, with a beautifully preserved ringlet of hair by the neck if faint wear in the crown of thorns on the forehead. The thick old varnishes are opaque to ultra violet light and the chest may perhaps have some past wear and strengthening in places, however the deep madder drapery looks as though it has remained finely intact, and the painting has clearly not been touched for many years. This report was not done under laboratory conditions.
"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."

Bitonto, Galleria Nazionale della Puglia, Tiziano, Bordon e gli Acquaviva d'Aragona, 15 December 2012 – 8 April 2013.

A. Donati in N. Barbone Pugliese, A. Donati, L. Puppi, Tiziano, Bordon e gli Acquaviva d'Aragona, exhibition catalogue, 2012, pp. 244–47, cat. no. 4, reproduced.

Private collection, Belgium.