SILVESTRO DEI GHERARDUCCI | SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST

SILVESTRO DEI GHERARDUCCI
Florence 1339 - 1399
SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST

tempera on panel, gold ground, shaped top
21⅝ by 14 in.; 55 by 35.7 cm.

Renowned Art Dealer Fabrizio Moretti and The Strokes' Fab Moretti Collaborate

Condition Report:
The following condition report has been provided by Karen Thomas of Thomas Art Conservation LLC., 336 West 37th Street, Suite 830, New York, NY 10018, 212-564-4024, info@thomasartconservation.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.

Overall this painting is in very good condition, with a recent and beautifully carried out restoration. The gold background, not including the halo, has been reinforced with gold leaf but retains an appropriate appearance of age. Although the majority of the paint layer is nicely preserved, the bottom two inches of the image is reconstruction; this work is well executed and not obvious in normal light. Notable restored losses include a small round loss in the yellow sleeve, near the crook of the elbow, and a horizontal loss crossing the upper arm on the left into the chest. Retouching has been judiciously applied to suppresses visually intrusive aging cracks, to address a modest number of tiny losses and minor wear, and to solidify the contour of the figure against the gold ground. Minor fading in the red lakes, a typical aging defect, has been addressed with restoration glazes. The varnish is clear with an even gloss. The vertically grained wood panel support, comprised of two boards is in sound condition. This painting shows no need of intervention and can be enjoyed in its current state.

"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."

Provenance:
Private collection, France.