Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 15 December 1954, lot 56 (as by Gaspard Dughet) for £180, where acquired by the father of the present owner.

The painting is warmer and brighter than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an old relining which is still effective and has not pressed the paint surface. The paint surface is dirty and under a yellowed and murky varnish. To the naked eye it appears as though the painting is secure and in good overall condition under the varnish. The blue of the female figure's cloak has oxidised. Some old frame abbrasion and some minor scattered retouchings can be seen in the sky and lower left. Inspection under Ultraviolet light in inconclusive due to the old opaque varnish but it appears as thought some older retouchings are present under the varnish. Offered in a garved and gilded wooden frame with some scattered knocks.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The esedra visible in the garden wall on the right hand side of the picture appears to bely the remains of the theatre in the Villa Silvestri Rivaldi in Rome. The villa was built by the Silvestri family in the 16th century, and still stands in parts, but even by the early 18th century when this view was taken, had been much modified. It was situated on the north east side of the Forum, where the Via dei Fori Imperiali runs today, and the gardens extended all the way to the apse of the Basilica of Maxentius. The ruins which can be glimpsed over the wall are probably the top of the Basilica, and the timpanum of the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. At this date the Villa housed a Conservatory for the Zitelle mendicanti, a charity endowed by a Signor Ascanio Rivaldi.