Netherlandish School, circa 1605

The actual painting is slightly less red than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an old but still effective relining. The paint surface is under a thick and dirty varnish. There's a fine craquelure throughout which is beginning to lift in some areas. The paint surface appears nicely preserved with subtle details still intact. Two vertical retouched scratches are visible along the lower edge. A few old scattered discoloured retouchings are visible to the naked eye in the background, and in the chest plate. Further inspection under UV light is impeded by the dirty varnish. Offered in a decorative gilt plaster and wood 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."

Ambrogio Spinola, Marquis of the Balbases (1569-1630), was the commander-in-chief of the Spanish forces in the Southern Netherlands during the Eighty Years' War. Born in Genoa into the wealthy and influential Spinola family, he distinguished himself greatly as a soldier and commander and won a number of important battles, most famously the taking of the city of Breda in 1625. 
 
The present portrait may be dated after 1605 as the sitter is shown wearing the Order of the Golden Fleece which he received that year. Although more probably painted in the Southern Netherlands, in design it shows an awareness to two portraits of Spinola at the age of thirty nine, painted in The Hague at the Peace Treaty in 1609 by Michiel van Mierevelt (1567-1641), both today in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (inv. nos. A-3953 and A-554).