Attributed to Sir Anthony van Dyck

Pierre-Jean Mariette (L.2097, and on remains of his mount);
sale, Amsterdam, Mak van Waay, 3 May 1976, lot 165 (as Van Dyck);
sale, Amsterdam, Sotheby Mak van Waay, 8 December 1980, lot 44 (as van Dyck, purchased by the present owner)

Laid down on the (trimmed) Mariette mount. Paper lightly discoloured and slightly foxed, but otherwise generally good.
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.

In terms of handling, this accomplished small study can be compared with a group of drawings illustrating the life of St. Rosalie, which are the studies for a series of engravings by Philip de Mallery, published by Cornelis Galle in 1629.  Zirka Filipczak has argued that these drawings are by Van Dyck¹, and the inscription on the present work indicates that the great French collector Pierre-Jean Mariette thought the same about this drawing.  He also extended the sheet slightly on two sides, in a characteristic "improvement" of the original.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga lived from 1568 until 1591.

1.  Z.Z. Filipczak, 'Van Dyck's 'Life of St Rosalie',' The Burlington Magazine, vol. 131, no. 1039, 1989, pp. 693-8