Attributed to Sir Peter Paul Rubens

Fixed in all four corners to a backing sheet. Paper rather discoloured, except for narrow vertical strips at both sides, and some surface dirt throughout. Ink still strong. Sold in a gilded wooden frame.
"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."

The features of this female figure bear a striking resemblance to those of Marie de' Medici, as she appears in a number of the compositions in Rubens' epic series of twenty four paintings illustrating scenes from the life of Marie de' Medici herself and that of her late husband, King Henri IV.  The paintings, now in the Louvre, were commissioned from Rubens in 1621, to adorn the Luxembourg Palace.  The head does not correspond exactly to that seen in any of the finished paintings, but is closest to the scene entitled 'The Queen opts for Security' (fig. 1).  The skilful handling and treatment of features such as the hair do, however, seem very similar to some of Rubens' sketches of this period, so it seem perfectly possible that this is a sketch, presumably cut from a larger sheet of studies, made by Rubens at around the time he was working on the Medici cycle.