After Sir Peter Paul Rubens

The flat support consists of a single piece of the copper, cradled to the reverse. The detail of the work and its colours are well-preserved, though in some areas the paint surface is a little thin and there is an area of paint loss and potential lifting to the left of Herod's head, to the left of the boy in the foreground and at points along the upper and right hand margin. No other damages are apparent to the naked eye. Inspection under UV light reveals extensive retouchings and strengthings in the upper right hand corner of the painting, with fairly extensive scattered spot retouchings across the remainder of the work. Offered in a carved gilt wood and plaster frame in good condition though with a number of minor losses.
"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."

A period copy after Rubens' original in the National Gallery of Scotland (see M. Jaffé, Rubens. Catalogo Completo, Milan 1989, p. 346, cat. no. 1187, reproduced).