Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 8 July 1994, lot 210a, where acquired by Adolphe Stein;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

The fine canvas has been relined. The paint surface is slightly dirty and the varnish is discoloured. There are some pinprick spots of retouching visible to the naked eye scattered in the Madonna's face. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms these, as well as pinprick retouchings in the background and scattered in her drapery. In overall fair condition.
"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."

A chalk and ink wash drawing related to the present composition was sold New York, Christie's, 30 January 1998, lot 147 (fig. 1). It is comparable also to a series of studies of the Virgin Annunciate illustrated in Antonio Morassi's catalogue raisonné of the artist's work.¹ 1. See A. Morassi, Guardi, I Disegni, Venice 1984, pp. 102-103, cat. nos 130-33, reproduced figs 131-33, for the drawings; and for the paintings see A. Morassi, Guardi, I Dipinti, Venice 1973, vol. I, p. 343, cat. nos 187-90, reproduced vol. II, figs 207-10.