Florentine School, 16th Century

Captain P. Drury-Lowe, Locko Park,
sale, London, Sotheby's, 25 March 1965, lot 47 (as Federico Barocci)

The sheet is laid down on linen which in turn is window mounted. The surface of the sheet has suffered somewhat, with rubbing in places to the medium and areas of surface dirt throughout. There is a small pin prick hole to the upper left quarter of the sheet, although this is only noticeable when examined very closely.
"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."

At the time of its sale in 1965, Philip Pouncey noted the close resemblance between the present work and a study in the Uffizi¹by Pontormo for the Infant Christ in the Visdomini Altar, Florence.

1. J. Cox-Rearick, The Drawings of Pontormo, A Catalogue Raisonné with Notes on the Paintings, New York 1981, vol. I, pp. 127-8, no. 36, vol. II, fig. 43, reproduced