Dutch School, circa 1600

The support consists of a single, flat piece of slate. The paint surface is in good condition. There is an area of damage in the lower left quarter visible in the catalogue illustration. This is confirmed under UV light which reveals little other retouching work. Offered in a plain gilt wood frame in good condition with some minor 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."

The pose of Fortuna is identical to that in a painting attributed to Hendrick Goltzius formerly on loan at the Staatsgalerie, Stuttgart, but returned to Schloß Ludwigsburg in the 1950s (photo held at the Warburg Institute, London). These, in turn, relate to the figure of Andromeda in Goltzius' engraving of 1583.¹


1. F.W.H. Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts ca. 1450-1700, vol. VIII, Amsterdam 1953, p. 34, no. H.157.