Venetian School, circa 1600

Window mounted and laid down. There are several holes which have been filled in/made up, two located upper left and two in the upper right corner. There are also two much smaller holes in the lower left corner. There is a small tear at the lower right margin. There appears to be a water stain going from the lower margin up to the level of the woman's mouth. There are glue stains where the sheet has been laid down.
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.

This chalk study is stylistically close to Tintoretto in its bold assured handling and extremely sculptural approach.  It was the practice within Tintoretto's studio to draw from plaster models, allowing the students to consider multiple viewpoints under different lighting conditions.  Tintoretto also made chalk drawings after classical busts, and although the headdress of the woman here is not derived from the antique, the drawing adheres to the techniques and principles established by Tintoretto, and followed by his pupils and other artists working in the same Venetian milieu.