Workshop of Giovanni Battista Moroni

Marquise de Brissac.

Paris, Cour des Comptes, Si la Révolution m'était comptée, November 1989, cat. no. I.37 (as attributed to Moroni, of Jean de Nicolay).

The canvas has a firm relining, resulting in a flattened paint surface. The paint surface is stable, secure and very clean. The paint has thinned somewhat across the torso. Few, very small scattered retouchings are visible in the body and the background, particularly at the upper left. These seems to be to paint losses. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an even varnish. Overall the work is in good condition. The work is offered unframed.
"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 prime, signed and 1553-dated version of this work by Moroni himself is in the Samuel H. Kress collection, Honolulu.¹ As has been widely noted, the sitter's left hand that holds the piece of paper is extremely similar to that of Moroni's famous Tailor in the National Gallery, London.

Given the date of the original, the traditional identification of the sitter as Jean Nicolay (as stated in the 1989 exhibition, see above) is impossible since he died in 1527.

1. F.R. Shapley, Complete Catalogue of the Samuel H. Kress Collection. Italian Paintings XVI-XVIII Century, London 1973, pp. 31–32, no. K359, reproduced fig. 57.