Netherlandish School, mid-16th century

Anson Conger Goodyear, New York;
Thence by family descent to the present owner.

Albright Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York, on loan (according to the label affixed to the reverse: "From A.C. Goodyear/ Buffalo Fine Arts Academy/ Albright Art Gallery/ Buffalo N.Y.").

The support appears to consist of a single, stable flat panel cradled to the reverse. There is an old restored vertical crack running the length of the painting to the right of the centre line, as visible in the catalogue illustration. The paint surface is secure under an even varnish. Scattered retouchings in the darks of the background and dress are visible to the naked eye and these are confirmed under UV light which also reveals some scattered retouchings to the left of her face. Offered in carved gilt wood frame with some scattered losses.
"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."

Anson Conger Goodyear (1877-1964) was a wealthy railroad industrialist and prominent collector of Impressionist and American art in the first half of the twentieth century. He served a highly influential term as President of the Museum of Modern Art in New York from 1929 to 1939, and bequeathed his own collection to the Albright Art Gallery in New York.