French School, Late 16th Century

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 24 January 2008, lot 77;
With Lucida Fine Art, Florida;
From whom acquired by the present owner.

The painting is oil on paper laid down onto a panel that is cradled and stable.The paper has almost fused with the wood, absorbing every movement of the panel. There is a horizontal crack that runs across the center of the panel, with another shorter one above that has caused some small paint loss on the collar. A few other minor cracks and marks are here and there. The fine drawing of the present picture is visible since the recent removal of the upper layer of repainting. The head is preserved well with some intact areas such as the ear. Some minor paint loss is on the white sleeve and chest of figure. Some strengthening might be suggested, though the work can be hung as is and presents a remarkably pure surface. It is offered in a plain, brown wood 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.

This enigmatic portrait is influenced by the naturalistic style of Jean Clouet (circa 1485 - 1540/41) and his son, François Clouet (circa 1516 - 1572).  Their immediate followers borrowed from the Clouets' drawings, imitating their realistic depiction of facial features and penetrating psychology. They executed their works in black, or black and red chalk on paper.  Although the painting has no precise technical parallels with any known works by the Clouets or their followers, Jean Clouet did make a number of miniatures on vellum. In terms of style, this painting comes closest to François Quesnel (1542/5 - 1619), to whom a tentative attribution has been proposed. This portrait has been the subject of recent restoration. Substantial areas of later repainting have been removed, including a hat, red tunic, parapet and black background. It was included in its earlier state in Sotheby's sale of 2008 (see Provenance), but withdrawn prior to the sale after concerns had been raised over the date of the painting.