German School, 16th Century

Overall condition reasonably good. Some minor scratches and abrasions, but these are mostly only visible in the background.
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.

Although this miniature and the following lot do to some extent resemble the portrait miniatures of Hans Holbein the Younger, to whom they were previously attributed, they are ultimately more Germanic in style, and closer to the works of Lower Rhenish artists, such as Barthel Bruyn.  It has also been suggested that they may be somewhat later in date - i.e. late 16th or even 17th century - and possibly Netherlandish, rather than German or Swiss in origin, citing similarities in palette with the notable series of small gouaches depicting standing soldiers by Lucas van Valckenborch, now in the Albertina, Vienna.¹  But those similarities seem, in the end, superficial, and the handling and conception are surely those of an earlier period, most probably the second quarter of the 16th century.  

1. One of these signed with initials: Inv. no. 13580; Benesch 1928, no. 304