Attributed to Ambrosius Holbein

Acquired by Lemaire in Lubeck on 22 July 1841 (according to an old inscription on the reverse).

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The coarsely adzed oak panel has a visible vertical split to the right hand side. This split is unstable and requires treatment. The background has a scattering of restorations covering areas where paint loss has occurred . There are further retouchings to the sitter's black tunic and to the dark cracking within the flesh tones and pale drapery . A pale filigree of cracks caused by the natural shrinkage of the paint layer is pronounced in the dark tunic. The paint surface is covered by a discoloured varnish, a tonal improvement would be achieved with its removal. Ornate 19thC gold and painted sculptural frame-some damages."
"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."