The Monogrammist IS

The canvas has been relined. The paint is secure and generally well preserved under an old, yellowed varnish. The darks of the background, and less so of her dress, have abraded somewhat and in the former scattered retouching work can be discerned. There have been some minor losses along the top edge and a couple on the left and right margins where retouching work is evident. Inspection under UV light is impeeded by the varnish. Offered unframed.
"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."

The identity of this extraordinary artist has yet to be established. His oeuvre consists of a small group of works dated between 1633 and 1658, signed with the monogram IS. Von Frimmel, in 1904, was first to publish a group of works by this hand and thus established his artistic identity. More latterly, Werner Sumowski has reopened the discussion over his identity (see W. Sumowski, Gemälde de Rembrandt-Schüler, vol. IV, Landau/Pfalz 1983, p. 2548 ff). All of his works, which are exclusively secular in subject matter and almost always take the form of a single half-length or bust length figure, are characterised by a curious sense of isolation and in each the physiognomy of the sitter is meticulously rendered. The present work may be closely compared with the work in Stockholm, Nationalmuseum, that depicts a similarly elderly woman, bust length (see W. Sumowski, op. cit., reproduced p. 2555).