Circle of Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael

Acquired by the father-in-law of the present owner;
Thence by descent.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The paint layer is visibly raised and unstable and an effort has been made to consolidate this before any further paint loss occurs. There is a central damage (old join). The paint surface is devoid of restoration; there is the patchy remains of an old varnish."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

This highly accomplished work is a contemporary copy after Raphael's so-called 'La Belle Jardinière' in the Musée du Louvre, Paris (for which see J.M. zur Capellen, Raphael, vol. I, Landshut 2001, pp. 257-63, reproduced).  The high quality of its execution would suggest that it was produced by a member of Raphael's inner circle.