La peinture se révèle en réalité moins rouge et les variations tonales sont plus riches que ce que l’illustration du catalogue laisse penser. A l’œil nu : La toile a fait l’objet d’un rentoilage récent. On remarque une ancienne déchirure partant vers le centre en angle depuis le bord droit à 25 cm du bord inférieur, vers le bord inférieur gauche (visible dans l’illustration du catalogue). A la lampe U.V. : On remarque diverses restaurations le long des bords gauche et droit. La couche picturale semble amincie. On remarque des repeints dans les fonds. Les impastos sur le visage du portraituré semblent avoir été bien conservés. La toile est couverte d’une couche de vernis clair. Le tableau est vendu sans cadre. The actual painting is less red and more tonal than the catalogue illustration would suggest. Under the naked eye: The canvas has been newly relined. An old large tear/damage (?) running inwards at an angle from the right edge at 25 cm from the bottom towards the lower left edge (visible in the catalogue illustration as well). Under UV light: Various retouchings can be seen along the wider left edge, and the right edge. Thinness can observed throughout and the background has been painted in substantially. The impasto of the main figure and his face seems to be nicely preserved. Covered with a clear varnish layer. The painting is sold unframed.
"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."

Professor Claudio Strinati has suggested that our painting might be the portrait of the Italian architect Francesco Borromini aged 30.