Attributed to Jusepe de Ribera, called Lo Spagnoletto

The canvas has a glue relining which is stable. The paint surface is secure under an old, uneven varnish layer with no damage visible to the naked eye. Inspection under UV reveals minor retouching throughout to fill old losses. There are three possible repaired old damages, notably a small diagonal tear at the sitter's left elbow, a possible infilled repair below the sitter's left shoulder and a small vertical tear downward from the right hand side of the upper edge. There is further inpainting in the lower right hand section. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The prime version of this composition, signed and dated 1630, is located in the Musée de Picardie, Amiens (see N. Spinosa, Ribera. La Obra Completa, Madrid 2008, cat. no. A105). At least one further example of the same composition is known, a work sold in the Christie's Mauerbach Benefit sale, Vienna, 29 October 1996, lot 114 (as Circle of Ribera).

Though remnants of a Ribera signature are visible in the lower left corner along the spine of the book, it was common practice for members of Ribera's studio to execute canvases after the master's original, only to have Ribera himself sign the work upon completion. Such a ritual would seem to serve the purposes of both client and studio, as the inclusion of a genuine Ribera signature would indicate that a studio participant's work had reached a level of finish and quality high enough to be sold as a Ribera.