Allegorical figure of a woman, Paolo Emilio Besenzi

Property from an Important Private Collection
Paolo Emilio Besenzi
Coviolo 1608- 1656 Reggio Emilia
Allegorical figure of a woman

oil on canvas
canvas: 46½ by 28½ in.; 118 by 72.4 cm.
framed: 57 by 38 in.; 144.8 by 96.5 cm.

Condition Report:
The canvas has been relined and is planar and stable. The paint layer remains fresh in the face and details of the hair, as well as much of the drapery, though has thinned in other areas of the canvas, where the weave is slightly visible. The varnish is clear and even overall, and the subtle color variations used in the mauve and yellow fabrics remain quite beautiful. Under ultraviolet light one can see a vertical line of restoration running the length of the canvas along the left side, about two inches from the edge, likely from an old fold in the canvas or frame abrasion. There are scattered restorations throughout, including a few small ones in the face, though most are concentrated in the dark background at upper left and in one area at center right, from the edge of the canvas and into her shoulder. An x-shaped scratch has been restored at lower center in the drapery. These restorations, while clear under UV, are not bothersome to the naked eye and the painting can be hung as is. Offered in a carved giltwood frame with age.