Nicolás Francés and workshop

Dr. Bashford Dean, Riverdale, New York;
John W. Higgin, by whom purchased from the estate of the above on 28 September 1929.

C.R. Post, A History of Spanish Painting, vol. VII, part II, Harvard 1938, p. 829, reproduced fig. 330 (as 'Nicolás Francés [?]').

The support is stable and the paint surface is secure, if a little thin in places and discoloured in some of the skin tones. There is an old vertical split running the length of the painting approx. 25 cm in from the left hand side, and some other more minor cracks and knots in the paint surface. Retouching work is evident in these areas and this is confirmed under UV light which reveals scattered work elsewhere. Offered in a gilt wood frame in fair condition if a little rubbed.
"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."

We are grateful to Professor Antoni Jose Pitarch for confirming the attribution to Nicolás Francés and workshop following inspection of the original.