Lot 16: TOMMASO DI CREDI, CALLED TOMMASO | The Nativity

oil on panel, a tondo, with an unidentified collector's seal on the reverse

diameter: 89 cm.; 33 in.

oil on panel, a <em>tondo</em>, with an unidentified collector's seal on the reverse

The panel has been strongly thinned, backed and cradled, and appears perfectly flat and stable. There is an old, repaired, diagonal split, running down from the top left-hand side of the wall behind the Madonna across the entire panel. Another smaller vertical split runs down from the centre of the upper edge. An irregular area, 10cm. at its widest, running across the lower edge of the panel, may indicate a later extension or reconstruction, probably dating back to the 19th century. The vast majority of the paint surface is otherwise in remarkably good condition. There has been some minor thinning of the paint, due to natural ageing, but the majority is very well-preserved indeed. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals scattered, minor, local spot retouchings, for example to the body of the Christ Child, a small 1 cm. square loss on the foot of the Baptist, and around the largest split. Offered in a nineteenth-century gilt plaster rectangular wood frame, with punched and foliate decoration.
"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."

Believed to have passed down by inheritance in the present owner's extended family since the late 19th century.