Follower of Simon Vouet

Baroness d'Erlanger (according to inscription on the back).

Panel is uncradled, but has wood battens affixed around the four edges. there are two horizontal cracks: one which runs through the landscape and heads of the Virgin and Joseph, and another which runs through the lower portion of the Virgin's body, leg of Christ and into the sleeve of Joseph. the paint surface is generally very well retained and there is nice preservation of impasto. under ultraviolet, one can see retouching all along the upper crack and along the right side of the lower crack. otherwise, there are just a few very minor dots of retouching on Joseph's sleeve, on chest of Christ and Virgin's drapery. Offered in a plain wood frame with green velvet lining and gilt inner edge.
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 painting repeats a lost work by Vouet that is known from two prints: an engraving by Pieter de Jode the Younger dated 1632, and an etching by Vouet himself executed in 1633.  The prints differ from one another in certain elements and the present painting contains details unique to each print, suggesting that Vouet's original painting, rather than one of the prints, served as the model for the present work.