After Justus Sustermans

Bears inventory number of Herzog von Baden on the front of the frame: 191

Both paintings are warmer in tone and the colours are less bright than the catalogue illustration suggests. Both canvases are relined. Stretcher marks are visible to the front. Both paint layers are slightly flattened, but the impastos of the embroidery are nicely preserved. Overall the painting is in good condition and no damages are visible to the naked eye. The paint layers are under a dense craquelure pattern and under an old and discoloured varnish layer. Inspection under UV-light reveals retouchings in both paintings, especially in the lower part of the dresses and in the dogs. The faces are nicely preserved. The varnish layer is unevenly cleaned. Offered in a plain ebony wood frame, in good condition. (JD)
"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."

This portrait can be compared with the portrait by Sustermans of Claudia de'Medici in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna (inv. no. 1075). Sustermans is known to have painted Claudia on several occasions in different costumes and postures. The sitter's features in the present work are strikingly similar to the sitter's features in the Vienna portrait, and also her posture and the detailed rendering of the different textures suggest that the present work has been painted after an unknown original by Sustermans.

Claudia de'Medici was the wife of Federico della Rovere, Duke of Urbino (1604-1648). Their only child, the Duchess of Urbino Vittoria della Rovere (1622-1694), would marry Ferdinando II de'Medici (1610-1670), Grand duke of Tuscany. After her husband's premature death, Claudia later remarried with the Archduke Leopold V of Austria (1568-1632), with whom she became the founder of a sideline of the Habsburg family.