Roman school, circa 1620

Brought back from Italy in 1858 (inscribed on the reverse of the stretcher: Tête d'étude/ Rapporté de Rome, voyage d'Italie 1858).

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The original canvas is lined and the paint layer is stable. The varnish is discoloured and opaque and through it can be seen a filigree of pale shrinkage cracks in the background and the darker passages of the tunic. There is thinness to the already natural sketchiness of the hair, but the opacity of the varnish means it is difficult to ascertain the true condition of the paint in this and some of the other areas. The dark ground has become dominant through the thin layer of paint and has had to be reduced and some of the delicate scumbles have been augmented. Much of the paint retains its quality and is well preserved, however, and removing the discoloured varnish would improve the tonality."
"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."