Attributed to Peter Oliver

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 30 March 1987, lot 264 (as Attributed to Bartolomeo Cesi);
sale, London, Christie's, 6 July 1993, lot 25 (as Attributed to Cristofano Roncalli), where bought by the present owner

Unframed. The remains of some old hinges at the upper margin of the verso. The lower edge of the paper is uneven. There are some areas of tiny light brown stains in the lower left quarter, some very small spots near the right margin, just where the woman's drapery reaches the edge. A small brown ink-type stain on her chin. Some mild surface dirt, but otherwise the condition is fine. The image in the catalogue illustration appears very yellowed and the paper is in reality more grey/white.
"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."

This drawing has had various attributions, none of which seems to be exactly convincing. The shape of the woman's head, the delicacy of the handling and the slightly Northern feeling point away from Italy and even from purely Dutch possibilities. The drawings of Isaac and Peter Oliver have not been studied carefully, and there is little visual material to support an attribution. However, a finely drawn, black chalk Judgement of Paris, originally sold as Follower of Goltzius, was convincingly attributed to Peter's father Isaac Oliver when sold again in 1987, which could point to a fruitful avenue for exploration of the present work.¹

1. Amsterdam, Sotheby Mak van Waay, 19 April 1982, lot 10; London, Sotheby's, 18th and 19th Century British Drawings and Watercolours, 9 March 1989, lot 30