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 large painting is unlined. The original canvas join which runs horizontally through the lower half has been reinforced on the reverse. There is a new break in the center right in the sides of the buildings and a small hole and a tear in the edge of parapet around the figures. In addition to these visible damages, there are old restorations dressing the join in the canvas, some breaks or paint losses in the center of the sky, and here and there throughout the picture there are restorations addressing small losses and abrasions. The paint layer is a little thin in the darker colors particularly, but if the recent damages were to be attended to, the picture could be hung as is. The condition is fair, even though there are fairly numerous yet well-applied restorations running throughout.
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.

Pietro Ciafferi, called Smargiasso, or, "the Braggart," a native of Pisa, painted fantastic martime scenes that were inspired by the ports of Livorno and Pisa.  It is quite rare that his works come to auction.  Four of his marine paintings are in the Galleria Corsini, Florence, and another painting, dated 1651, is in the museum in Pisa.

This impressive view of a port is the type of painting that would have been in high demand by collectors and Grand Tourists of the late 17th and early 18th century.  A great deal of care and skill would have been needed to produce such a v🗹ast composition, whose conception and execution would have been extremley time consuming and pain-staking.