Circle of Georg Pencz

The support consists of a single, stable, uncradled panel with a slight undulating warp. There is a small area of wood inserted to the lower left of the reverse where the panel has begun to crack. This crack runs approx. 8 cm up from the lower edge and is visible in the catalogue illustration. There is a very small fleck of paint loss upper right. The paint surface is a little abraded in the background and is under a thick quite dirty varnish which impedes thorough examination under UV light but some scatterd older and more recent retouchings do fluoresce. Offered in a carved northern wooden frame in good 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."

We are grateful to Mr. Ludwig Meyer for suggesting that this portrait was painted by an artist working in the circle of Georg Pencz (1500-1550), and for suggesting a date of execution circa 1530.