Circle of Rubens

Jonkheer Johann Goll von Franckenstein (according to 1977 exhibition catalogue; mark, L.2987, not visible);
William Stirling;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 21 October 1963, lot 39, reproduced;
Norton Simon,
his sale, New York, Parke Bernet, 8 May 1971, lot 200A,
purchased by John and Alice Steiner,
by descent to the present owner

London, Royal Academy, Catalogue of the Exhibition of 17th Century Art in Europe, 1938, no 613, reproduced (as Peter Paul Rubens);
Cambridge, Mass., Fogg Art Museum; Williamstown, Mass., The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute; Malibu, J. Paul Getty Museum, Renaissance and Baroque Drawings From the Collections of John and Alice Steiner, 1977, no. 54 (as Peter Paul Rubens)

Hinged to the mount at the upper margin. Some light brown staining around the edges of the sheet. A few areas where medium has been rubbed and there are some losses. There are also a few creases, the most noticeable one running diagonally upwards from her eye and into her hair. Otherwise chalk fairly strong. Sold in a gilded 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 accomplished drawing must have been made in the immediate orbit of Rubens, but the style is not his.  The head corresponds to that of the Madonna in a Rubens circle painting of The Madonna and Child, in the collection of the National Trust at Ascott House (fig. 1).