Anonymous sale, New York, Savoy Art & Auction Galleries, November 22, 1968, lot 60 (according to an old invoice, and as attributed to Pietro da Cortona).

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting has not been restored for a long time. The canvas has a very old lining. The picture is very dirty and although the canvas is very relaxed now, it should be tightened and adjusted slightly. The painting is very dirty and when cleaned, although there will be some weakness to the paint layer evident here and there, no significant old restorations are anticipated to appear. Some fly specks have been retouched in the background above the figures and in the lighter colors of the clothing. However, this picture is in generally healthy state and although requiring restoration, should look considerably better as a result.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A modello or ricordo with noticeable variants of the fresco by Carlo Magnone (after the design and cartoon by Andrea Sacchi) painted on the eighth wall in the Lateran Baptistry, Rome, 1648,¹ this painting is a newly discovered and important document of Roman Baroque painting.

We are grateful to Dr. Erich Schleier for first suggesting the attribution to Magnone based♎ upon a photograph, and to Dr. Sutherland Harris for confirming the attribution to the artist based upon f🅺irsthand inspection. 

1  (See A. Sutherland Harris, Andrea Sacchi, Princeton 1977, p🔯p. 84🎃 - 87, cat. no. 53.8, plate 115.)