After Justus Sustermans

Bears an inventory number of Herzog von Baden on the front of the frame: 190

Both paintings are warmer in tone and the colours are less bright than the catalogue illustration suggests. Both canvases are relined. Stretcher marks are visible to the front. Both paint layers are slightly flattened, but the impastoes of the embroidery are nicely preserved. Overall the painting is in good condition and no damages are visible to the naked eye. The paint layers are under a dense craquelure pattern and under an old and discoloured varnish layer. Inspection under UV-light reveals retouchings in both paintings, especially in the lower part of the dresses and in the dogs. The faces are nicely preserved. The varnish layer is unevenly cleaned. Offered in a plain ebony wood frame, in good condition. (JD)
"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."

Sustermans was highly acclaimed as a portrait painter in Italy, where he was appointed painter to the Medici, Grand Dukes of Tuscany. While working at the court of Cosimo II (1590-1621) and Maria Maddalena of Austria (1598-1637) in Florence, he was called by Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor (1578-1637) to work in Vienna. Between 1621 and 1624, he painted several portraits of Ferdinand II and of his wife Eleonora Gonzaga. The present work is a copy after such a portrait painted by Sustermans of which the present location is unknown.

Eleonora Gonzaga was the daughter of Vincenzo I of Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua (1652-1612) and Eleonora de'Medici (1567-1611). She was the second wife of Ferdinand II. Their marriage remained childless, but she became stepmother to Ferdinand's children from his previous marriage. She established Carmelite convents in both Graz and Vienna.