Circle of Sir Peter Paul Rubens

London, Christopher Powney, Early Drawings, 1968 (as Rubens)

E. McGrath, Corpus Rubenianum Ludwig Burchard, Part XIII, 1. Subjects from History, London 1997, vol. 2., p. 165, under cat. 34, copy no. 11 (as ? 18th-century French)

Laid down around edges onto card. Remains of previous paper backing adhering to various places, verso. Varnish abraded at edges from frame. A few minor holes. Otherwise good condition. Sold in a modern wooden 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."

As Elizabeth McGrath noted, this head study is based on the figure representing the River Tiber, seated to the far left in Rubens' painting of circa 1613, The Finding of Romulus and Remus (Rome, Pinacoteca Capitolina). On the basis of a photograph, McGrath suggested the present sketch might be 18th-century French, but the paper seems earlier, and the work probably originates rather closer to the date and orbit of Rubens.