After Tiziano Vecellio, called Titian

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is in good condition although a pronounced craquelure runs throughout and the brown tones are slightly abraded. Retouchings to Venus' torso, hand and forehead, the musician's left knee and infilling to craquelure on the dog have become a little discoloured and are visible to the naked eye. Just a few further scattered retouchings fluoresce under UV light though the varnish covering the work is rather reflective. Offered in a gold painted wood frame in good condition with a few minor chips.
"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 17th-century derivation after Titian's original in the Prado, Madrid (see F. Valcanover, L'opera completa di Tiziano, Milan 1969, p. 118, cat. no. 295, reproduced). The dog in the the present composition replaces the figure of Cupid in the original.