Follower of The Master of the Lute Player

Old glue relining is firm and stable. the paint surface has been somewhat pressed in the relining and there are some thinnesses noticeable in the right side of hair and turban, and on the front of the lute. however, the figure reads quite well and presents a striking image. examination under UV light: the varnish fluoresces unevenly making it difficult to judge. there is retouching to the right side of turban; on right hand over a possible old puncture. there appear to be old repairs at bottom of lute. other areas fluoresce (such as areas of costume on both shoulders) but it is hard to tell if this is due to retouching or an unevenness in the varnish due to selective cleaning. painting could be hung as is. In a wood frame with gold stylized painted decoration.
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.

This painting repeats a work in the collection of the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, Munich.  The Munich picture is the name piece for a small group of paintings first identified by Ferdinando Bologna in 1992 as by the same, as yet, anonymous hand of a painter working in the circle of Caravaggio (indeed, the Munich Lute Player was considered to be a work of Caravaggio himself by Roberto Longhi).  The Master of the Lute Player and the paintings grouped under this sobriquet have more recently been discussed by Gianni Papi in the catalogue of the 2005 exhibition Il genio degli anonimi: maestri caravaggeschi a Roma a Napoli, Milan, Palazzo Reale di Milano.