This painting is slightly darker than it appears in the catalogue. The canvas has an old relining and the paint layer appears stable. The surface is slightly pressed and the darker pigments have sunken, making details of the landscape and trees in the middleground hard to decipher. The image is dirty and abraded with an extensive craquelure and numerous old small flaking losses throughout. In the upper right corner there are 6 or so flecks of what appear to be white paint on the surface of the image which could be easily removed. Under UV, an old thick varnish covers the entire picture. There do not appear to be many retouches to this work; however, a few more recent, small touches have been applied on top of the varnish layer in the sky, landscape and figures to address some of the flaking losses. The areas of shadow around the figure group of God the Father and the angels have also been strengthened. This work would benefit from conservation. In a gilt wood frame with a foliate pattern.
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.

This painting has stylistic affinities with Mola's early period, when he was still strongly influenced by his teacher Francsco Albani (see for example his Rape of Europa in the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, Schleissheim and the Baptism of Christ, formerly in the Pope-Henessey collection; sold, New York, Christie's, 10 January 1996, lot 97).