Bolognese School, second half of the 16th century

This work, datable to the second half of the 16th century, is similar in style and format to examples on copper executed by Bolognese artist Lavinia Fontana (1552–1614), and is likely to have been executed by one of her followers. A comparable example by Fontana was recently sold in these rooms, 27 May 2021, lot 17.¹ These types of small cabinet pictures were very popular in Bologna and were often produced as gifts for patrons and collectors. 

¹ https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/women-artists/portrait-of-a-young-woman-bust-length-in-a-green