Note:
The name Caravaggio is used below purely for illustrative purposes.
“Caravaggio”
According to published literature or the opinions of specialists consulted, the lot is offered as a work by the named artist.
“Attributed to Caravaggio”
In our opinion, the work may reasonably be attributed to the named artist, although the attribution is not certain.
“Studio of Caravaggio”
In our opinion, the work is contemporary with and close in style and quality to the work of the named artist, but cannot be directly attributed to him. It may reasonably be presumed to have been executed by assistants working in the artist’s studio.
“Circle of Caravaggio”
In our opinion, the work may be attributed to a painter clearly influenced by the named artist, but not necessarily a pupil of his.
“Follower of Caravaggio”
In our opinion, the work is by a painter whose style is close to that of the named artist, although the two need not have been contemporaries.
“Manner of Caravaggio”
In our opinion, the work was executed in the style of the named artist, but at a decidedly later date.
“After Caravaggio”
In our opinion, the work is a copy after a painting by the named artist.
“Signed / Dated”
In our opinion, the signature and/or date are in the hand of the named artist.
“Bears signature / date”
In our opinion, the signature and/or date may have been added by another hand.
“Restorations and/or defects”
Old Master paintings have almost invariably undergone restoration and retouching, often on several occasions over time. This wording is included in the catalogue when the auction house’s specialists consider such interventions or condition issues particularly significant and liable to compromise, at least in part, the work’s original condition.
Further notes for buyers
Condition reports
Upon request, Bertolami Fine Art’s specialists provide a written opinion on the condition of lots offered for sale (condition report). Where appropriate or requested, they are also happy to supply additional material to assist in documenting the works, including photographs taken in person, detail shots and UV-light images.
Please note that condition reports are prepared by the Old Master Paintings Department and are not intended to constitute specialist conservation reports, which should be obtained from a professional paintings conservator. A condition report may not cover every part of a work, and not all defects or restorations may be examined or described.
In any event, the condition report provided by the auction house does not replace direct examination by prospective buyers or their own trusted specialists. It reflects solely the opinion of the Old Master Paintings Department’s specialists, who are not paintings conservators.
Auction house liability for catalogue descriptions
Descriptions in the auction catalogue concerning the authorship, date of execution and condition of lots reflect the opinions of the auction house’s specialists and any scholars consulted; they should not be regarded as objective facts.
See Article 8 of the Conditions of Sale and Article 7 of the Auction Information.