Right edge and lower margin have been folded for about 2/ 2,50 cm, to be fitted in the 17th century carved and gilded Italian, possibly Florentine frame. Trace to the right margin of a previous fold running vertically. There is a water stain at the lower edge along the whole margin . Light foxing and light small gray stains and surface dirt. The color of paper has slightly faded. Pastel fresh and in good condition, the artist has used blue pastel around the head. Sold in a 17th century carved and gilded wooden frame.
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 very handsome pastel is a striking example of a fashion for this medium that was introduced into the Florentine tradition, according to Filippo Baldinucci, by Cigoli.  Ludovico Cardi, called Cigoli (1559-1613) was the leading painter in Florence at the end of the sixteenth century, and the first exponent of the early baroque style.  His interest in pastel was prompted by his admiration for its use and its effects of coloring in Federico Barocci's oeuvre.¹  Baldinucci informs us that several artists, who were in Cigoli's bottega or were his contemporaries, among them Cristofano Allori and Andrea Commodi,² also used this medium.  Not many such portraits have survived, and this rare example very engagingly exemplifies the use of pastel by Florentine painters of the early 17th century.

1.  F. Baldinucci, Notizie de' professori del disegno da Cimabue in qua, ed. F. Ranalli, Florence 1845-47, vol. III, p. 633

2.  See A. Commodi, Self-Portrait, pastel, Florence, Casa Buonarroti: Il Seicento Fiorentino, Disegno/Incisione/Scultura/Arti minori, exhib. cat., Florence, Palazzo Strozzi, 1986-87, p. 152, no. 2.97, reproduced pl. XIII