Follower of Johannes Lingelbach

The catalogue illustration is quite representative for the actual painting, though the actual painting shows more contrast, particularly in the red costume. The canvas has a rather stiff relining. The paint surface is a bit dry, and there's a minor tendency towards cupping. It has grown slightly thin in the sky in the background. Minor spots of paint loss, which have been retouched, can be observed in the lower left, the lower right and in the tree trunk. A spot of rather coarse retouching is visible along the right edge. The figures, however, have been very well preserved. The paint surface is under a dirty layer of varnish, as well as under a fine layer of dirt. Inspection under violet light confirms the retouchings as mentioned above, and reveals additional small scattered retouchings in the sky, as well as minor strengthening in the boy's face. Offered in a simple carved gilt wood frame in good condition. (MW)
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This picture is likely to have been painted in Rome, by a close follower of Lingelbach.

Bears a label with a wax seal on the reverse.