Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem

The support consists of a single flat panel which has a large knot in the wood, visible to the reverse, filled in with old glue. A vertical crack has developed running through this knot approx 10 cm in length and it is visible on the front running from Hercules's right foot upwards. Two small triangular pieces of wood approx 1cm wide have been added to the top and bottom left corners to make the panel rectangular. The paint surface is secure and under a dirty varnish. Minor scattered old retouching work is visible to the naked eye in the figure of Hercules, with strengthening work around the edges. Retouchings are also visible along the bottom and left hand edges and in the triangular pieces of wood. These are confirmed under UV light which also reveals a few very minor other scattered retouchings. Offered in a wooden northern style 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."

Cornelis van Haarlem was particularly interested in depicting the nude male figure from behind.  This motif recurs in a number of his paintings and several drawn studies exist, see for example the red chalk Study of a Man Undressing, Hessisches Landesmuseum, Darmstadt.¹   We are grateful to Dr. P.J.J. van Thiel for endorsing the attribution to Cornelis van Haarlem on the basis of photographs. 

1. P.J.J van Thiel, 'Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem as a Draughtsman', in Master Drawings, vol. III, no. 2, 1965, p. 148, no. 11, plate 9.