Follower of Orazio Gentileschi

The canvas has recently been relined, restretched, cleaned and restored. there is an old seam in the canvas circa 20 cms. from the bottom edge. Overall the painting seems in very reasonable condition; there appear to be no major damages, although some of the darks and flesh tones have suffered from wear. Owing to the hanging of this lot it has not been possible to inspect it under ultra violet light, but visible restoration appears to be limited to local retouchings and strengthenings rather than any major repairs. The varnish is glossy and even.
"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."

A period copy after Gentileschi's painting in the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Connecticut.¹  Gentileschi's original was probably in Genoa for it was seen there by Sir Anthony van Dyck who copied it for his Italian Sketchbook during his first or second stay in that city, between 1621 and 1627. A number of contemporary replicas and copies of the composition are known, attesting to the painting's fame and popularity, even in Gentileschi's own day.²

1.  For which see R. Ward Bissell, Orazio Gentileschi and the Poetic Tradition in Caravaggesque Painting, London 1981, pp. 153-54, cat. no. 25, reproduced in colour plate A and fig. 45.
2.  See K. Christiansen, in Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi, exhibition catalogue, New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 14 February - 12 May 2002, p. 188, under cat. no. 39, 'Related Pictures'.