The canvas has been relined. There is an old tear in the canvas in the upper center of the sky, about 7 inches long and then 3 inches down on the right, which is visible to the naked eye but has been stabilized by the lining. There is another small tear, less visible, at upper right, about 3 inches across, and a few small areas of paint loss, mostly limited to the sky. A small horizontal tear, about 2 inches, is visible in the horizon line center right. Otherwise the paint layer is thick, with some heavy impasto particularly evident in the whites. The varnish is dirty and has yellowed the overall look of the painting. Under ultraviolet light the varnish appears uneven and milky, with little obvious or recent retouchings. The colors are still quite vivid and with a clean could be much brighter. Offered in a carved giltwood 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.

The Roman artist Francesco Fidanza came from a family of artists; both his father, Filippo Fidanza and his brother Gregorio Fidanza were also accomplished landscape painters.  Francesco studied under both Claude-Joseph Vernet and Charles François Lacroix de Marseilles.  

We are grateful to Nicola Spinosa for confirming the attribution to Francesco Fidanza.