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. These pictures may have been last restored 30-40 years ago. The linings are applied with wax as an adhesive, and the canvases are stretched on mechanical stretchers. The composition of Europe is in good condition, showing comparatively few restorations, with no indication of any weakness to the paint layer. Asia has received numerous retouches in the upper center sky, the center of the right side and in the figure of the two winged figures on the left side. Africa is well preserved and in good condition, showing only a few retouches. America is in quite respectable condition, with retouching to cracking and to some thinness in the torso of the female figure.The works can certainly be hung in their current condition, but re-examining the restoration, including reversing the wax linings, would make improvements.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

This set of allegories representing Asia, Africa, Europe and America is based on Solimena's series of personifications of the four parts of the world painted in 1738.  They decorated the private chamber of Charles III of the House of Bourbon in the Royal Palace, Naples, and were painted in celebration of his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony.