Johann Spilberg

In the family of the present owners since at least the mid-19th century.

The illustration is representative. The painting has recently been cleaned, relined and restored and is in very good overall condition with no major damages or signs of wear. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals only scattered retouchings and some washing over of the background and parts of the costume, notably around the left shoulder. The varnish remains clear and even and the painting is not in need of any further attention. This lot is offered with a grand gilt wood frame in the French style in good condition.
"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."

We are grateful to Dr. Frits Duparc for identifying the hand of Spilberg here. According to Houbraken, in 1640 Spilberg became a pupil of Govaert Flinck in Amsterdam. It is possible that the pendant to the present lot is the Portrait of a Woman in Fantasy Costume (78 by 64 cm.) in a Swiss private collection (reproduced in W. Sumowski, Gemälde der Rembrandt-Schüler, vol. II, Landau 1983, p. 1014).