Circle of Frans Pourbus the Younger

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 20 April 1988, lot 47.

The picture is fresher in colour and lighter in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest and there is additional detail in the black costume visible when the painting is lit. On a flat stable cradled panel. The paint surface is in good overall condition and what maybe the cental panel join looks more like a well restored split which is pronounced only at the bottom. Otherwise there is an old restored split running top to bottom from the coat of arm and down through the elbow on the left. A more minor old restored crack runs parallel to it on the left and there is a minor loss lower centre, lower left and and lower right where the paint is very slightly lifting. There are also old frame abarasion marks centre left and one further very minor abrasion in the sitter's right shoulder. Otherwise the paint surface is in good overall condition. There is evidence of a thick glossy varnish. Examination under ultraviolet confirms conservative retouching to the aforementioned cracks and also very minor retouches to the background but otherwise the paint surface appears to have minimal intervention however the varnish makes full inspection impossible. Offered in a carved dark and lightwood 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. 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."

The three-quarter length format and the sitter's pose, with one arm resting on the hip, were much used by Pourbus during his Antwerp and Brussels periods between 1591 - 1600. This work was previously attributed to Salomon Mesdach (Middelburg circa 1600 – circa 1632).