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 paintings on slate have not been recently restored. They all have cracked in the past except for the composition without the lizard or buildings. The cracks in the slate are quite visible. The composition depicting the death of the lizard in particular has developed noticeable instability and paint loss, which remains mostly unrestored. The surfaces are very dull and dirty, and the restoration that has been added is quite heavy handed. The works would improve with proper restoration, but it is unlikely that any great improvement could be made to the old joins in the stone.
"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."

These charming scenes, all painted on slate, are characteristic of the output of Faustino Bocchi, an 18th century Italian artist who specialized whimsical depictions of figures and animals often set within a village or garden landscape.  Humorous details abound in these small and impressive works, and in addition to the celebratory capture of a lizard and lively dancing and festivities, among the most comical of these details are a man being abducted by a bumble bee and another riding a snail.