Anthonis Mor

Marquis of San Carlos of the Two Sicilies; and thence by descent to
Don Juan Quiñones de León y Francisco Martín; and thence by descent to
The Dukes of Placencia; and thence by descent to
Don Ignacio Fernández de Strevestrosa y Gayoso de los Cabos, Marquis of Camarasa and Duke of Placencia; and thence by descent to
Doñna María Josefa Fernández de Henestrosa de Martínez del Rio, Marchioness of Cilleruelo, by 1951;
Thence by descent in the family to the present owner, by whom offered, New York, Christie's, 23 January 2004, lot 30 (as a Portrait of Don Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba). 

Panel is flat, stable, and beveled on all four sides. The painting is under an old, dirty varnish which has discolored over time. A few small retouches in the nose, forehead, and one just above the hairline are visible to the naked eye. Under UV, the thick and discolored varnish renders older retouches difficult to read. Some older retouches to individual hairs of the beard are faintly visible beneath the varnish. A patch running across the eye area luminesces differently than the majority of the panel, this could perhaps be from a different varnish applied at a different time. There may be some other retouches in the blacks of the sitters clothing, though they are difficult to read as a result of the varnish. Despite the older varnish, the original paint appears stable and largely intact, with no major areas of repaint visible. Following an examination of the benefits of a new varnish, the painting could appear much fresher. In a carved and giltwood 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

We are grateful to Dr. Andrew John Martin for confirming the attribution to Mor based on photographs.  He dates this portrait to the mid-1560s.