Follower of Hendrick Goltzius

Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Gentleman'), London, Sotheby's, 10 July 2003, lot 128, for £14,400;
With Simon Dickinson (according to labels on the reverse).

Each canvas has been relined and has undergone fairly significant repair. The paint surface of each is however quite well preserved. Starting top left and working clockwise, numbering 1-6: 1: There are several restored damages to his left shoulder, another to his right leg and some strengthening to the shadows, notably the left profile of his left leg. 2: There are scattered minor retouchings to the face and torso, a dmage on his right shin and strengthening throughout the lower background. 3:There are several restored damages: on her left breast, her right forearm, her belly, both thighs and her left knee. The immediate foregroung has been strengthened. 4: There are retouchings to both cheeks a nd scattered throughout the torso. There is a fairly large restored damage to his left torso, and further more minor damages to his left shin and right thigh. The background is largely strengthened. 5: There is a repaired damage runnign down most of his left leg, another in the middle of his torso and on his left bicep. There is a restored diagonal tear upper left and another lower right. His face has been lightly strengthened. 6: There are damages to her left thigh, the back of her leg and foot. There is some strengthening to her drapery and to Cupid's lower half.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The compositions derive from a series of drawings by Hendrick Goltzius (see E.J. Reznicek, Hendrick Goltzius Zeichnungen, The Hague 1961, p. 298-99, nos. 147-53) which were engraved in 1597 by Jacob Matham (see F.W.H. Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts ca. 1450-1700, Amsterdam 1954, nos. 226-232).