Follower of Ambrosius Benson

The canvas has a recent relining which is firm but has not overly flattened the paint surface. The painting appears to have been recently cleaned, the varnish is slightly opaque, and there are no obvious damages. The paint appears thin on her black costume and in her hair, where the ground is showin through. The varnish flouresces and impedes clear inspection under ultra-violet light: only a few very minor scattered retouchings are visible, but more localised restoration should be presumed (e.g. some strengthening to her lips, nose, eyes and hair). Overall the painting is stable and appears in good condition, and could be hung as it is. Offered in a later gilt wood and plaster frame with foliate decoration in relief: minor knocks and paint losses throughout and the gilt rubbing off in places, but structurally sound.
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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 work is a derivation from a composition which Benson repeated on numerous occassions, the prototype of which seems to be the picture in the Royal Collection, Hampton Court (inv. no. 417). Friedländer suggests that this original, known to have been part of Henry's VIII's collection, was painted circa 1530, when the theme was particularly popular (see M.J. Friedländer, Early Netherlandish Painting, Leiden 1974, vol. XI, p. 60 & plate 174).