Follower of Lucas Cranach the Elder, 17th Century

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The oak panel has one central vertical split along which there is slight movement. There are also some minor vertical splits from the bottom. The paint layer is stable but there is raised paint along the vertical shrinkage cracks particularly in the flesh tones. The background has been augmented where there has been earlier thinness, now discoloured, and some of the shadows of the flesh tones have been augmented. Tonally, the painting would improve with the removal of the varnish. Overall, in good condition."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The composition follows that of Cranach the Elder's treatment of the subject in the National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh, with some alterations (inv. no. NG1942; see The National Gallery of Scotland. Concise Catalogue of Paintings, Edinburgh 1997, p. 84, reproduced).