Follower of Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, called Parmigianino

Baron Maximilian Speck von Sternberg (1776-1856);
Gräf Sickingschen Collection, Vienna, (according to an old label on the reverse).

Specksche Gemälde-Sammlung in Leipzig, Leipzig 1827, p. 18, no. 66;
Sammlung Freiherr von Speck zu Sternberg, 1889, p. 45, no. 267;
H. Guratzsch, Maximilian Speck von Sternburg: ein Europäer der Goethezeit als Kunstsammler, exhibition catalogue, Leipzig 1998, p. 475.

The canvas has been placed on a board backing. The paint surface is secure and under a yellowed varnish. Very minor losses and some slight abrasion along the lower edge can be made out. The tonality of the painting would improve with a new varnish. Offered in a wood and plaster frame with some knocks.
"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 a fragment of Parmigianino's Madonna and Child with Saint Zaccaria and Saint John the Baptist in the Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence (see M. Vaccaro, Parmigianino: The Paintings, Turin 2002, p. 177, cat. no. 32, reproduced in colour pl. LII).